Zephaniah 2:7

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.

Study Bible

The coast
The term "coast" refers to the geographical region along the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the Philistine territory. Historically, this area was known for its strategic importance and fertile lands. The Hebrew word used here, "חוף" (chof), signifies a boundary or edge, indicating a place of transition and opportunity. In a spiritual sense, the coast represents a place of new beginnings and divine provision for God's people.

will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah
The "remnant" signifies a small, surviving group of people who remain faithful to God despite widespread apostasy or judgment. The Hebrew word "שְׁאֵרִית" (she'erit) emphasizes the idea of preservation and divine selection. The "house of Judah" refers to the southern kingdom, which maintained the Davidic line and the temple in Jerusalem. This phrase underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring that a faithful remnant will inherit the land.

there they will find pasture
"Pasture" symbolizes sustenance, peace, and divine provision. The Hebrew word "מִרְעֶה" (mir'eh) conveys the idea of a place where flocks are fed and cared for. This imagery reflects God's role as a shepherd, providing for His people and leading them to places of abundance and rest. It is a promise of restoration and security for the remnant.

In the evening they will lie down
The phrase "in the evening" suggests a time of rest and safety after the day's labor. The Hebrew word "עֶרֶב" (erev) can also imply the end of a period of struggle or hardship. "Lie down" indicates a state of peace and trust, where fear and danger are absent. This imagery is reminiscent of Psalm 23, where the Lord leads His people to lie down in green pastures.

in the houses of Ashkelon
Ashkelon was one of the five major Philistine cities, known for its strength and fortifications. The mention of "houses" implies a complete takeover and habitation by the people of Judah. Historically, this signifies the reversal of fortunes, where the once-oppressive cities become places of dwelling for God's people. It highlights God's sovereignty in turning the tables and fulfilling His promises.

For the LORD their God will intervene for them
The phrase "the LORD their God" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between God and His people. "Intervene" is derived from the Hebrew "פָּקַד" (paqad), meaning to attend to, visit, or take action on behalf of someone. This intervention is a divine act of deliverance and justice, showcasing God's active role in the lives of His people.

and restore their captives
"Restore" comes from the Hebrew "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning to return or bring back. It signifies a reversal of exile and a return to a state of blessing and favor. "Captives" refers to those who were taken away during times of conquest and oppression. This promise of restoration is a powerful testament to God's redemptive plan, ensuring that His people are brought back to their rightful place and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Remnant of the House of Judah
This refers to the faithful survivors of Judah who remain after God's judgment. They are the ones who will inherit the blessings and restoration promised by God.

2. The Coast
This is the region along the Mediterranean Sea, which was historically occupied by the Philistines. It symbolizes a place of future blessing and provision for the remnant.

3. Ashkelon
One of the five major Philistine cities, representing the enemies of Israel. Its mention here signifies the reversal of fortunes, where the former oppressors' land becomes a place of rest for God's people.

4. The LORD their God
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who promises to intervene and restore His people. His actions are central to the hope and future of the remnant.

5. Restoration of Captives
This event signifies God's promise to bring back those who were exiled or taken captive, restoring them to their land and blessing them with peace and prosperity.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Remnant
Despite judgment, God remains faithful to His promises. He will always preserve a remnant who will experience His restoration and blessing.

Reversal of Fortunes
God can turn situations around, transforming places of former oppression into places of blessing and rest for His people.

Divine Intervention
Trust in God's timing and intervention. He is actively working to restore and bless His people, even when circumstances seem dire.

Hope in Restoration
The promise of restoration is a source of hope. Believers can look forward to God's ultimate restoration in their lives and in the world.

Living as the Remnant
As part of God's remnant, live faithfully and expectantly, knowing that God will fulfill His promises and provide for His people.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a "remnant" in Zephaniah 2:7 encourage you in your personal faith journey?

2. In what ways can you see God reversing difficult situations in your life, similar to the transformation of Ashkelon for the remnant?

3. How can the promise of divine intervention in Zephaniah 2:7 inspire you to trust God more deeply in challenging times?

4. What parallels can you draw between the restoration promised in Zephaniah and the hope of restoration in the New Testament?

5. How can you live as part of God's faithful remnant today, and what practical steps can you take to align with His promises of restoration and blessing?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 11:11-12
This passage speaks of the Lord gathering the remnant of His people from all over the world, similar to the promise of restoration in Zephaniah.

Jeremiah 29:14
God promises to bring back the captives of Israel, paralleling the restoration theme in Zephaniah 2:7.

Ezekiel 34:14-15
God promises to be the shepherd of His people, providing them with pasture, which connects to the imagery of finding pasture in Zephaniah.

Psalm 23:2
The imagery of lying down in green pastures reflects the peace and provision promised to the remnant in Zephaniah.