Zephaniah 2

“Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;” Naming Gather keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you…” The line’s distinctive content terms include anger, chaff, decree. Its relationship to verses 1 and 3 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Seek ye the LORD , all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the LORD is against you; O…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the sea coast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds, and folds for flocks.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people…” Naming Ammon and Moab keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“The LORD will be terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and men shall worship him, every…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“Ye Ethiopians also, ye shall be slain by my sword.” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“And he will stretch out his hand against the north, and destroy Assyria; and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry…” Naming Assyria and Nineveh keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.

“This is the rejoicing city that dwelt carelessly, that said in her heart, I am, and there is none beside me: how is…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.