Zephaniah 1:4

KJV

I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, [and] the name of the Chemarims with the priests;

KJV (with Strong's)

I will also stretch out {H5186} mine hand {H3027} upon Judah {H3063}, and upon all the inhabitants {H3427} of Jerusalem {H3389}; and I will cut off {H3772} the remnant {H7605} of Baal {H1168} from this place {H4725}, and the name {H8034} of the Chemarims {H3649} with the priests {H3548};

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will stretch out my hand over Y'hudah and all those living in Yerushalayim. I will wipe every remnant of Ba'al from this place, the idol-serving priests and even their names,

Berean Standard Bible

“I will stretch out My hand against Judah and against all who dwell in Jerusalem. I will cut off from this place every remnant of Baal, the names of the idolatrous and pagan priests—

American Standard Version

And I will stretch out my hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarim with the priests;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:4 declares God's impending and decisive judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem for their pervasive idolatry. The Lord announces His direct intervention to eradicate all traces of Baal worship, specifically targeting the remaining adherents and the idolatrous priests, known as the Chemarims, alongside any compromised legitimate priests. This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute intolerance for syncretism, signaling a thorough spiritual cleansing of the land and its inhabitants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 1:4 is part of a broader prophetic oracle concerning the "Day of the Lord" that begins in [Zephaniah 1:2](/zephaniah/1-2 "Zephaniah 1:2 - God's Universal Judgment"). The preceding verses ([Zephaniah 1:2-3](/zephaniah/1-2-3 "Zephaniah 1:2-3 - Judgment on All Creation")) describe a universal judgment upon all creation, but verse 4 narrows the focus specifically to Judah and Jerusalem, identifying the primary reason for this localized judgment: their widespread idolatry. This verse initiates a detailed enumeration of the specific sins that provoke God's wrath, setting the stage for the comprehensive nature of the judgment described in the subsequent verses, which include the punishment of those who "worship the host of heaven" ([Zephaniah 1:5](/zephaniah/1-5 "Zephaniah 1:5 - Worship of Heavenly Host")) and those who "have turned back from following the LORD" ([Zephaniah 1:6](/zephaniah/1-6 "Zephaniah 1:6 - Apostasy and Indifference")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period following decades of intense idolatry under kings Manasseh and Amon. Manasseh, in particular, had reintroduced and promoted various pagan cults, including Baal worship, astral worship, and even child sacrifice, effectively undoing the reforms of his father Hezekiah ([2 Kings 21:1-9](/2_kings/21-1-9 "2 Kings 21:1-9 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). While Josiah later initiated significant religious reforms ([2 Kings 23:4-20](/2_kings/23-4-20 "2 Kings 23:4-20 - Josiah's Reforms")), Zephaniah's message likely predates the full implementation or deep impact of these reforms, or it serves as a warning that the reforms, though outwardly observed, had not truly transformed the hearts of the people. The presence of "remnant of Baal" and "Chemarims" indicates the deep entrenchment of foreign cults within Jerusalem's religious landscape, even alongside the worship of Yahweh, reflecting a syncretistic religious environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Zephaniah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment**, emphasizing God's active and decisive intervention against sin, particularly idolatry. Secondly, it underscores God's **Holiness and Jealousy**, asserting His exclusive claim to worship and His intolerance for any rivals ([Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment")). Thirdly, the thoroughness of the promised eradication ("cut off the remnant," "the name of the Chemarims") speaks to a theme of **Purification and Cleansing**, where God acts to remove spiritual defilement from His people and land. Finally, the judgment upon religious leaders, both pagan and compromised Israelite priests, points to the theme of **Accountability**, particularly for those entrusted with spiritual guidance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretch out (Hebrew, _nâṭâh'_):** This verb signifies an intentional, decisive, and often powerful action. When God "stretches out His hand," it is an anthropomorphism indicating His direct intervention, often in judgment or salvation. Here, it conveys the certainty and forcefulness of His impending judgment against Judah's idolatry.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This strong verb implies a complete severance, destruction, or eradication. It is used in the context of making covenants (cutting a covenant), but here it denotes a violent and absolute removal. The use of "cut off" emphasizes the thoroughness of God's purge, leaving no trace of the idolatrous practices or practitioners.
* **Baal (Hebrew, _Baʻal'_):** Refers to the chief Canaanite deity, a prominent storm and fertility god worshipped widely in the ancient Near East. His worship often involved ritual prostitution, child sacrifice, and other abominable practices. The "remnant of Baal" indicates that despite previous attempts at reform, Baal worship still persisted in Judah, making it a primary target of God's judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;":** This opening clause establishes the divine agent ("I," referring to Yahweh) and the recipients of the judgment: the entire nation of Judah, specifically focusing on its capital, Jerusalem. The phrase "stretch out mine hand" is a powerful anthropomorphic expression signifying God's direct, personal, and forceful intervention. It signals that this is not a passive consequence of sin, but an active, deliberate act of divine judgment.
* **"and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place,":** This clause details the specific target and nature of the judgment. "Remnant of Baal" indicates that even after generations of prophetic warnings and some reforms, the worship of the Canaanite deity Baal was still present, perhaps in hidden or lingering forms. God's promise to "cut off" this remnant signifies a complete and utter eradication, ensuring that no trace of this detestable idolatry remains in Jerusalem, which was meant to be the holy city dedicated to Yahweh alone.
* **"and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;":** This final clause specifies the human agents of idolatry who will face judgment. "Chemarims" (H3649 _kâmâr_) refers to idolatrous priests, likely those dedicated specifically to Baal or other pagan cults, perhaps identifiable by their dark vestments or grim rites. The phrase "the name of the Chemarims" suggests that their very memory or identity as a priestly class will be erased. The addition "with the priests" is crucial, implying that legitimate Israelite priests (H3548 _kôhên_) who had become corrupted by syncretism or participated in idolatrous practices would also be swept away in this judgment, highlighting God's condemnation of all who facilitated or participated in false worship.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:4 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. **Anthropomorphism** is evident in the phrase "stretch out mine hand," attributing a human physical action to God to emphasize His direct, active, and powerful intervention in the affairs of humanity. This device makes God's presence and intent tangible and immediate. The thoroughness implied by "cut off the remnant of Baal" and "the name of the Chemarims" borders on **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's cleansing judgment, suggesting that nothing associated with idolatry will be spared. Furthermore, the phrase "the name of the Chemarims" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the entire identity, reputation, and very existence of these idolatrous priests, indicating that their influence and memory will be utterly obliterated. This use of language heightens the sense of divine resolve and the severity of the impending purification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:4 profoundly articulates God's unwavering commitment to His own holiness and His covenant with Israel. The Lord, as the sovereign and jealous God, demands exclusive worship and cannot tolerate the syncretism and idolatry that had become rampant in Judah. This judgment is not arbitrary but flows directly from His character and His covenantal faithfulness, which requires His people to be set apart for Him alone. The eradication of Baal worship and its practitioners signifies God's intention to purify His people and restore them to a right relationship with Him, demonstrating that true worship is foundational to a thriving covenant relationship. This passage serves as a stark reminder that spiritual compromise has severe consequences, and God will ultimately act to preserve the purity of His name and His people.

* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "The First Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "The Shema")
* [1 Kings 18:21](/1_kings/18-21 "Elijah Challenges Baal Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:4 stands as a powerful testament to God's uncompromising holiness and His demand for unadulterated devotion. For us today, this ancient warning against idolatry remains profoundly relevant. While we may not bow down to physical statues of Baal, modern society presents numerous "idols" that subtly compete for our ultimate allegiance: materialism, career success, social status, technology, self-image, or even relationships. Anything that takes God's rightful place as the supreme object of our affection, trust, and worship becomes an idol. This verse challenges us to conduct a rigorous self-examination, asking ourselves what truly holds the primary position in our hearts and lives. God's desire to "cut off the remnant of Baal" from Jerusalem is an invitation for Him to purify our own hearts, removing anything that hinders our wholehearted devotion to Him. It calls us to a radical commitment to Christ, ensuring that our worship is genuine, exclusive, and uncompromised.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "remnants of Baal" or modern idols might still be lingering in my own heart or life, subtly competing for God's rightful place?**
* **How does God's uncompromising judgment against idolatry in Zephaniah 1:4 inform my understanding of His character and His expectations for my worship?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively "cut off" or remove anything that hinders my singular devotion to God this week?**

### FAQ

**What exactly were the "Chemarims" mentioned in Zephaniah 1:4?**

Answer: The "Chemarims" (Hebrew: _kâmâr_) were specifically idolatrous priests, distinct from the legitimate Levitical priests of Israel. The term likely refers to priests dedicated to pagan deities, such as Baal, and may derive from a root meaning "to be black" or "to be gloomy," possibly referencing their dark vestments or the somber nature of their rites. Their inclusion in God's judgment alongside "the priests" suggests that both the overtly pagan cult leaders and any compromised Israelite priests who had adopted or tolerated idolatrous practices would face divine wrath. God's intention was to eradicate all forms of false worship and those who propagated it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zephaniah 1:4 describes a historical judgment on physical idolatry in Judah, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual resonance are found in Christ. The thorough cleansing promised by God in Zephaniah foreshadows the deeper spiritual purification accomplished through Jesus. Just as God promised to "cut off the remnant of Baal" from Jerusalem, Christ's work on the cross provides the means for believers to be cleansed from all forms of spiritual idolatry, which the New Testament identifies as anything that replaces God in our hearts, such as greed ([Colossians 3:5](/colossians/3-5 "Colossians 3:5 - Put to Death Idolatry")) or self-worship. Jesus, as the true Temple and the perfect High Priest, not only purifies us from sin but also enables us to offer "worship in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), fulfilling God's desire for an uncompromised people. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ "stretched out His hand" not in judgment against His people, but in redemptive love, bearing the judgment for their idolatry and sin, and making them new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")) whose hearts are now consecrated to Him alone ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ Cleanses Our Conscience")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hosea 10:5

The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Bethaven: for the people thereof shall mourn over it, and the priests thereof [that] rejoiced on it, for the glory thereof, because it is departed from it.

2 Kings 23:4

¶ And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

2 Kings 23:5

And he put down the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; them also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven.

Micah 5:13

Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

Isaiah 14:26

This [is] the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this [is] the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.

Isaiah 14:27

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Jeremiah 6:12

And their houses shall be turned unto others, [with their] fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD.