Zephaniah 2:9

Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Therefore as I live {H2416}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, Surely Moab {H4124} shall be as Sodom {H5467}, and the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} as Gomorrah {H6017}, even the breeding {H4476} of nettles {H2738}, and saltpits {H4379}{H4417}, and a perpetual {H5704}{H5769} desolation {H8077}: the residue {H7611} of my people {H5971} shall spoil {H962} them, and the remnant {H3499} of my people {H1471} shall possess {H5157} them.

Therefore, as I live," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, the God of Isra'el, "Mo'av will become like S'dom and the people of 'Amon like 'Amora, a land covered with nettles and salt pits, desolate forever. The remnant of my people will plunder them, the survivors in my nation will inherit them."

Therefore, as surely as I live,” declares the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, “surely Moab will be like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah— a place of weeds and salt pits, a perpetual wasteland. The remnant of My people will plunder them; the remainder of My nation will dispossess them.”

Therefore as I live, saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall make a prey of them, and the remnant of my nation shall inherit them.

Zephaniah 2:9 delivers a powerful divine oath, pronouncing irreversible judgment upon the nations of Moab and Ammon. These neighboring peoples, east of the Dead Sea, were historical adversaries of Israel, often characterized by their pride and hostility towards God's chosen nation.

Context

The prophet Zephaniah ministered in Judah during the reign of King Josiah (circa 640-609 BC), a time when spiritual decline and idolatry were rampant, but also when a significant revival was beginning. Zephaniah's message is primarily one of impending judgment, often referred to as the "Day of the LORD," affecting not only Judah but also surrounding nations. Verses 8 and 9 specifically address Moab and Ammon, who had frequently taunted and encroached upon Israel's borders. Moab and Ammon shared a common ancestry (from Lot, Genesis 19), yet their history with Israel was marked by antagonism. This prophecy serves as a stern warning against national pride and contempt for God's people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Justice: The phrase "as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel" is a solemn divine oath, underscoring the absolute certainty and unwavering commitment of God to execute His judgments. It highlights His supreme authority over all nations and history.
  • Irreversible Desolation: The comparison of Moab and Ammon to "Sodom and Gomorrah" signifies a complete and devastating destruction. The judgment described mirrors the catastrophic destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, leading to a "perpetual desolation." The imagery of "breeding of nettles" (weeds) and "saltpits" further emphasizes the land's utter barrenness and uninhabitable nature, signifying a lasting ruin.
  • Reversal of Fortunes and Restoration: The prophecy concludes with a promise of hope for God's people. "The residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them." This indicates a complete reversal of power dynamics, where the oppressed (Israel) will plunder and inherit the lands of their oppressors. This theme of a faithful remnant of God's people receiving restoration and vindication is common in prophetic literature.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's omnipotence as the commander of heavenly armies and all creation. This powerful title reinforces the absolute certainty of His declared judgment. The specific mention of "Sodom and Gomorrah" serves as a powerful idiom for divine, comprehensive, and irreversible destruction due to profound wickedness and pride, a concept well understood by the ancient audience.

Practical Application

Zephaniah 2:9 reminds us of God's unwavering justice and His sovereign control over nations. It teaches that pride and hostility towards God and His people will ultimately face severe consequences. For believers today, this verse offers assurance that God sees injustice and will ultimately vindicate His faithful. It encourages humility and trust in God's plan, even when facing opposition. Just as God preserved a remnant then, He continues to work through His faithful people, promising ultimate triumph and restoration for those who seek Him (Zephaniah 2:3).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 15:1

    ¶ The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, [and] brought to silence;

  • Isaiah 15:9

    For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood: for I will bring more upon Dimon, lions upon him that escapeth of Moab, and upon the remnant of the land.

  • Isaiah 11:14

    But they shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west; they shall spoil them of the east together: they shall lay their hand upon Edom and Moab; and the children of Ammon shall obey them.

  • Deuteronomy 29:23

    [And that] the whole land thereof [is] brimstone, and salt, [and] burning, [that] it is not sown, nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath:

  • Isaiah 25:10

    For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill.

  • Jeremiah 50:40

    As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbour [cities] thereof, saith the LORD; [so] shall no man abide there, neither shall any son of man dwell therein.

  • Isaiah 49:18

    ¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].
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