Zephaniah 1:7

KJV

¶ Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD [is] at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hold thy peace {H2013} at the presence {H6440} of the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}: for the day {H3117} of the LORD {H3068} is at hand {H7138}: for the LORD {H3068} hath prepared {H3559} a sacrifice {H2077}, he hath bid {H6942} his guests {H7121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep silent before Adonai ELOHIM, for the Day of ADONAI is near. ADONAI has prepared a sacrifice; he has set apart those he invited.

Berean Standard Bible

Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests.

American Standard Version

Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord Jehovah; for the day of Jehovah is at hand: for Jehovah hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath consecrated his guests.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zephaniah 1:7 issues a profound and urgent command for silence and reverence in the face of the imminent "Day of the LORD," a time of divine judgment. The verse dramatically portrays God not merely as a judge, but as one who prepares a solemn "sacrifice" and invites "guests" to this dreadful event, signaling the comprehensive and inescapable nature of His impending wrath upon Judah and the nations for their rebellion and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zephaniah 1:7 serves as a pivotal introduction to the dire pronouncements of judgment that characterize the initial chapters of the book. Following a sweeping declaration of universal destruction in [Zephaniah 1:2-3](/zephaniah/1-2-3 "Zephaniah 1:2-3 - Universal Judgment"), the prophet narrows his focus to Judah and Jerusalem, specifically targeting their idolatry and syncretism in [Zephaniah 1:4-6](/zephaniah/1-4-6 "Zephaniah 1:4-6 - Judgment on Judah's Idolatry"). The command to "Hold thy peace" in verse 7 marks a solemn transition, heightening the tension and underscoring the gravity of what is to follow—the detailed description of the "Day of the LORD" as a day of wrath, distress, and desolation in [Zephaniah 1:14-18](/zephaniah/1-14-18 "Zephaniah 1:14-18 - The Great Day of the LORD"). This verse sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of God's righteous indignation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of King Josiah (c. 640-609 BC), a period initially marked by significant religious reforms following decades of apostasy under Manasseh and Amon. While Josiah diligently worked to purge idolatry from Judah and restore proper worship of Yahweh (as detailed in [2 Kings 22-23](/2_kings/22 "2 Kings 22-23 - Josiah's Reforms")), Zephaniah's prophecy reveals that deep-seated corruption, syncretistic practices (like Baal worship and astral cults mentioned in [Zephaniah 1:4-5](/zephaniah/1-4-5 "Zephaniah 1:4-5 - Idolatry in Jerusalem")), and social injustice persisted among the people. The "Day of the LORD" was a well-established concept in Israelite prophecy, often associated with divine intervention in history, but Zephaniah, like Amos before him (see [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - The Day of the LORD as Darkness")), emphasized its terrifying aspect as a day of judgment for sin, likely to be executed through emerging foreign powers such as the Babylonians, who were rapidly gaining dominance in the Near East.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Zephaniah and broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the **Divine Sovereignty and Imminence of Judgment**, as the command to silence underscores God's absolute authority and the certainty that His long-foretold judgment is "at hand." This highlights God's active and decisive involvement in human history. Another crucial theme is **Reverent Silence and Awe** before God's presence, an imperative that transcends mere quietness to imply a profound spiritual submission and dread in the face of His overwhelming holiness and impending action. Finally, the central prophetic concept of the **"Day of the LORD" as Judgment** is vividly portrayed. While this day can also signify salvation for the righteous, in Zephaniah 1, the focus is squarely on God's wrath against sin, depicted with the shocking imagery of judgment as a "sacrifice" and its instruments as "guests," emphasizing the comprehensive and deliberate nature of God's justice against those who have rebelled against Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hold thy peace (Hebrew, _hâçâh'_):** This primitive root (H2013) means "to hush," "to hold peace," "to keep silence," or "to be still." In this context, it is a forceful, almost fearful, imperative. It is not merely a suggestion to be quiet but a command demanding absolute cessation of activity and speech, implying a profound sense of awe, dread, and submission in the face of an overwhelming, impending divine event. It signifies the futility of resistance or argument before the Almighty.
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While commonly meaning a literal "day" (H3117), this term can also denote a "space of time defined by an associated term," an "age," or a "season." In the prophetic phrase "Day of the LORD" (_yôwm Yᵉhôvâh_), it refers to a specific, decisive period of divine intervention in human history, often marked by judgment and vindication. Here, its meaning is intensified by "at hand," emphasizing the immediate and inescapable nature of this appointed time of reckoning.
* **Sacrifice (Hebrew, _zebach'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" (H2077), _zebach_ properly refers to the flesh of an animal offered in sacrifice, or the act of sacrificing itself. In Zephaniah 1:7, the imagery is strikingly inverted. Instead of humans offering a sacrifice to God, God Himself "hath prepared a sacrifice." This "sacrifice" is not an animal but the wicked inhabitants of Judah and the nations, who will be consumed by His wrath. This metaphor underscores the deliberate, ritualistic, and comprehensive nature of God's judgment, transforming the act of judgment into a grim, divine feast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD:"** This opening clause is a dramatic, urgent imperative. The phrase "Hold thy peace" (Hebrew: _has_) conveys a forceful command for absolute silence and stillness, not just audibly but spiritually. It is a call to profound reverence and dread, acknowledging the overwhelming majesty and impending action of "the Lord GOD" (Hebrew: _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih_, combining "Master" or "Sovereign" with the covenant name of God, emphasizing both His absolute authority and His personal relationship with His people, which they had violated). The "presence" signifies His active, manifest intervention.
* **"for the day of the LORD [is] at hand:"** The imperative is immediately justified by the imminence of "the Day of the LORD." This central prophetic concept, _Yom Yahweh_, is here presented as a terrifying, inescapable reality that is "at hand" (Hebrew: _qârôwb_, meaning "near" in time or place). This proximity demands an immediate and solemn response, as the time for repentance is short and the time for divine reckoning has arrived.
* **"for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice,"** This clause introduces a shocking and powerful metaphor. Instead of a celebratory or atoning sacrifice offered by humans to God, God Himself is the one who "hath prepared a sacrifice." This "sacrifice" (Hebrew: _zebach_) is not an animal, but rather the wicked people and nations who will be offered up to destruction by divine decree. The verb "prepared" (Hebrew: _kûwn_) implies deliberate intention and thoroughness, indicating that this judgment is not accidental but a meticulously planned divine act.
* **"he hath bid his guests."** This final clause extends the sacrificial feast imagery. The "guests" (Hebrew: _qârâʼ_, those "called" or "invited") are those summoned by God to participate in or witness this terrifying event. These "guests" are likely the instruments of His judgment (e.g., invading armies like the Babylonians) or perhaps even the scavengers of the earth, underscoring the public, undeniable, and comprehensive nature of divine retribution. The image transforms a typical joyous feast into a grim, divinely orchestrated slaughter.

#### Literary Devices
Zephaniah 1:7 is rich in **Imperative** language ("Hold thy peace"), immediately grabbing the reader's attention and conveying the urgency and authority of the divine message. The verse employs striking **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, particularly in its depiction of God preparing a "sacrifice" and bidding "his guests." This is a powerful and unsettling **Inversion** of the typical sacrificial feast, where the "sacrifice" is not an animal offered to God, but the wicked themselves consumed by His wrath, and the "guests" are those who participate in or witness this gruesome judgment. This imagery creates a sense of dread and highlights the comprehensive and deliberate nature of God's justice. The repetition of "LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's sovereign agency and covenant faithfulness, even in judgment. The phrase "Day of the LORD" functions as a **Key Motif** or **Theological Term**, signaling a decisive divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zephaniah 1:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's absolute sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to justice. The command for silence underscores the creaturely response of awe and submission required in the face of divine majesty and impending judgment. This "Day of the LORD" is not merely a historical event but a theological principle, demonstrating that God holds nations and individuals accountable for their actions, particularly their rebellion and idolatry. The shocking imagery of God preparing a "sacrifice" of His own people and inviting "guests" to witness it reveals the depth of His righteous indignation against sin, transforming a sacred ritual into a terrifying act of divine retribution. This serves as a stark reminder that God's holiness demands a response, whether it be repentance leading to salvation or persistent rebellion leading to judgment.

* [Joel 2:1-2](/joel/2-1-2 "Joel 2:1-2 - The Day of the LORD is Near")
* [Amos 5:18-20](/amos/5-18-20 "Amos 5:18-20 - Woe to Those Who Desire the Day of the LORD")
* [Malachi 4:1](/malachi/4-1 "Malachi 4:1 - The Day of the LORD Burns Like a Furnace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zephaniah 1:7 serves as a timeless and potent reminder of the gravity of God's holiness and the certainty of His justice. The call to "hold thy peace" is not just for ancient Judah but resonates powerfully with believers today, urging us to cultivate a profound sense of reverence and awe in God's presence. In a world often characterized by noise, distraction, and a casual approach to spiritual matters, this verse challenges us to pause, to be still, and to recognize the supreme authority of the Lord GOD. It prompts us to consider our own lives: are we living in alignment with His will, or are we, like ancient Judah, harboring idols or engaging in practices that provoke His righteous indignation? The "Day of the LORD" may refer to historical judgments, but it also points to the ultimate day of reckoning. This should not instill paralyzing fear in those who are in Christ, but rather a healthy fear of God that leads to humble obedience, genuine repentance, and a commitment to living lives that honor Him. It calls us to examine our hearts, confess our sins, and embrace the peace that comes from being reconciled to God through faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "holding thy peace" truly mean in the context of your daily life and spiritual walk?**
* **How does the imminence of God's judgment, as described in this verse, shape your understanding of His character and your response to Him?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Judah, be prone to spiritual complacency or idolatry, even subtly?**
* **How can the solemn warning of Zephaniah 1:7 motivate us to live more intentionally for Christ and share His message with others?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Day of the LORD" mentioned in Zephaniah 1:7?**

Answer: The "Day of the LORD" (Hebrew: _Yom Yahweh_) is a significant prophetic concept throughout the Old Testament, referring to a specific time when God decisively intervenes in human history to execute judgment on His enemies and bring salvation to His people. In Zephaniah 1:7 and the surrounding context, it is predominantly portrayed as a day of terrifying wrath, destruction, and desolation for Judah and the surrounding nations due to their idolatry, rebellion, and injustice. It signifies God's direct, powerful, and inescapable intervention to set things right, often involving natural disasters or invading armies as instruments of His will, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 13:6-9](/isaiah/13-6-9 "Isaiah 13:6-9 - The Day of the LORD's Wrath") and [Joel 2:30-31](/joel/2-30-31 "Joel 2:30-31 - Signs of the Day of the LORD").

**Why does God "prepare a sacrifice" and "bid his guests" in this context?**

Answer: This imagery is a powerful and shocking metaphor. Typically, a "sacrifice" in the Old Testament is an offering made by humans to God, often for atonement or thanksgiving. However, in Zephaniah 1:7, God Himself is preparing the "sacrifice." This signifies a grim reversal: the "sacrifice" is not an animal, but the wicked inhabitants of Judah and the nations who will be consumed by God's wrath. The "guests" are those whom God "bids" or invites to this dreadful event, likely referring to the foreign armies (e.g., the Babylonians) whom God will use as instruments of His judgment, or perhaps even the scavengers of the earth who will feast on the fallen. This vivid imagery underscores the deliberate, comprehensive, and public nature of God's righteous judgment, transforming a sacred ritual into a terrifying act of divine retribution against sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zephaniah 1:7, with its solemn declaration of the "Day of the LORD" and the imagery of a divine "sacrifice" of judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Zephaniah points to a day of wrath against sin, the New Testament reveals that God's righteous judgment was fully poured out on His own Son, Jesus, on the cross. Christ became the ultimate "sacrifice" for sin, not as a victim of divine wrath against the wicked, but as the perfect, atoning Lamb of God who willingly bore the sins of the world (as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His death, Jesus absorbed the judgment that humanity deserved, offering a path to reconciliation and peace with God. Thus, for those who believe in Him, the terrifying "Day of the LORD" as a day of condemnation is transformed into a "day of salvation" ([2 Corinthians 6:2](/2_corinthians/6-2 "2 Corinthians 6:2 - The Day of Salvation")), where they are invited not to a feast of judgment, but to the joyous wedding feast of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). While a future "Day of the Lord" will indeed bring final judgment for unbelievers ([2 Peter 3:10](/2_peter/3-10 "2 Peter 3:10 - The Day of the Lord Will Come")), for believers, the judgment has already been satisfied in Christ, allowing them to stand in His presence not in dread, but in peace and hope ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ")).

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

Habakkuk 2:20

But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Zechariah 2:13

Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

Zephaniah 1:14

¶ The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.

Isaiah 34:6

The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, [and] with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the LORD hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.

Jeremiah 46:10

For this [is] the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

Isaiah 13:6

¶ Howl ye; for the day of the LORD [is] at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.

Isaiah 2:12

For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low: