Zephaniah 2:7

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

And the coast {H2256} shall be for the remnant {H7611} of the house {H1004} of Judah {H3063}; they shall feed {H7462} thereupon: in the houses {H1004} of Ashkelon {H831} shall they lie down {H7257} in the evening {H6153}: for the LORD {H3068} their God {H430} shall visit {H6485} them, and turn away {H7725} their captivity {H7622}{H7622}.

and the coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Y'hudah. They will pasture their flocks there and in the evening lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. For ADONAI their God will remember them and restore their fortunes.

The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives.

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed their flocks thereupon; in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening; for Jehovah their God will visit them, and bring back their captivity.

Commentary

Zephaniah 2:7 delivers a powerful message of hope and restoration for the exiled people of Judah, following declarations of divine judgment against surrounding nations, particularly Philistia.

Context

This verse is part of Zephaniah's prophetic message, which begins with a stern warning of impending judgment upon Judah and the surrounding world due to widespread idolatry and disobedience. However, amidst the pronouncements of doom (Zephaniah 1), the prophet also offers glimpses of future restoration for a faithful few. Zephaniah 2 specifically details God's judgment against Philistia, Moab, Ammon, and Ethiopia. Verse 7 acts as a stunning reversal for Judah: the very land promised for destruction (the Philistine "coast," including cities like Ashkelon, mentioned in Zephaniah 2:4-6) will become a secure dwelling place for the "remnant of the house of Judah." This highlights God's sovereign control over nations and His enduring covenant with His chosen people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Reversal and Restoration: The verse paints a picture of complete turnaround. The Philistine coast, once a hostile territory, is given to Judah. This signifies a profound restoration of fortune and status, moving from exile to secure dwelling.
  • The Remnant: The promise is specifically for "the remnant of the house of Judah." This concept is central to prophetic literature, emphasizing that while many may fall away or face judgment, God will preserve a faithful few through whom His promises will be fulfilled. This speaks to God's promise of preserving a faithful remnant.
  • God's Visitation and Faithfulness: The phrase "for the LORD their God shall visit them" is crucial. The Hebrew word for "visit" (paqad) can imply either judgment or blessing. Here, it unequivocally means a visitation of favor, intervention, and blessing. It is a powerful declaration of God's unwavering commitment to restore His people from exile and adversity.
  • Security and Prosperity: "They shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening" vividly depicts a future of peace, security, and abundance. They will not only inhabit the land but thrive in it, finding rest and provision in former enemy strongholds.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "visit" is paqad (Χ€ΦΈΦΌΧ§Φ·Χ“). While it can mean to visit for inspection or even punishment, in this context, it clearly denotes a benevolent intervention. It signifies God's active, caring presence, turning His attention to His people to bring about their deliverance and blessing. This "visitation" is the catalyst for turning away their captivity.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 2:7 offers enduring hope for believers today. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire, and judgment looms, God is faithful to His promises and preserves a remnant. It teaches us:

  • God's Sovereignty: God is in control of all nations and circumstances. What seems impossible to human eyes is within His power to achieve.
  • Hope in Adversity: Even in times of "captivity" or hardship, whether literal or spiritual, God promises visitation and restoration for those who remain faithful.
  • The Nature of Restoration: God's restoration is complete and often involves a reversal of fortunes, transforming places of former conflict into havens of peace.

This verse encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan, knowing that He will "turn away our captivity" and lead us into a place of rest and security according to His divine timing and purpose.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 39:25

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Now will I bring again the captivity of Jacob, and have mercy upon the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for my holy name;

  • Exodus 4:31

    And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

  • Zephaniah 3:20

    At that time will I bring you [again], even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

  • Micah 5:3

    Therefore will he give them up, until the time [that] she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

  • Micah 5:8

    And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

  • Amos 9:14

    And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

  • Amos 9:15

    And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
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