Zephaniah calls for the people of Judah to be humble and seek the Lord as they may yet find safety in the day of the Lord’s anger (v1-3). Messages of judgment are not sent to destroy but to cause humility and repentance so for people to find hope.

The focus of Zephaniah’s prophesy now turns to other nations and first the Philistines are mentioned. Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Ekron are four Philistine city states on the coast with the Mediterranean (v4). These people are called Cherethites which links them with the island of Crete and speaks of them being originally a seafaring nation (v5). The picture here is of cities and land being deserted. That which people took pride in and fought for in the past will be totally lost.

In the end their land and cities will become the possession of the remnant of Judah (v6-7). Despite the emphasis on judgment on Judah in chapter 1, the Lord still loves His people and it is also His desire to restore.

This passage helps remind us that God is Sovereign over those who oppose His people and God will bring judgment in His time.

The passage also reminds us of how God will always welcome the repentant sinner. Jesus will never turn away those who come to Him.