Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Zephaniah 2:4

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · 19th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

For--He makes the punishment awaiting the neighboring states an argument why the ungodly should repent (Zep 2:1) and the godly persevere, namely, that so they may escape from the general calamity. Gaza shall be forsaken--In the Hebrew there is a play of similar sounds, Gaza Gazubah; Gaza shall be forsaken, as its name implies. So the Hebrew of the next clause, Ekron teeakeer. at the noonday--when on account of the heat Orientals usually sleep, and military operations are suspended (Sa2 4:5). Hence an attack at noon implies one sudden and unexpected (Jer 6:4-5; Jer 15:8). Ekron--Four cities of the Philistines are mentioned, whereas five was the normal number of their leading cities. Gath is omitted, being at this time under the Jews' dominion. David had subjugated it (Ch1 18:1). Under Joram the Philistines almost regained it (Ch2 21:16), but Uzziah (Ch2 26:6) and Hezekiah (Kg2 18:8) having conquered them, it remained under the Jews. Amo 1:6; Zac 9:5-6; Jer 25:20, similarly mention only four cities of the Philistines.

Read Zephaniah 2:4 →Read the full chapter →John Gill's Exposition →Barnes' Notes →Wesley's Explanatory Notes →Tyndale Open Study Notes →Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge →Keil & Delitzsch →

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