Zephaniah 2:14
And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he shall uncover the cedar work.
Zephaniah 2:14 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Zephaniah describes a scene of desolation and abandonment. The image of flocks lying down in the midst of a city, with various beasts taking shelter in the upper lintels and windows, signifies a complete absence of human life and activity. The inclusion of specific animals like the cormorant and the bittern adds to the atmosphere of emptiness and bleakness. The mention of desolation in the thresholds and the uncovering of the cedar work further emphasize the decay and disrepair of the city. Overall, this verse paints a vivid picture of a once vibrant and bustling place reduced to a state of abandonment and ruin. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God and the eventual destruction that can result from disobedience.
Theological Overview
One interpretation of this verse from the book of Zephaniah focuses on the theological symbolism found within the imagery of various animals inhabiting a desolate city. The mention of flocks and beasts of the nations lying down in the midst of the city represents the absence of human inhabitants, emphasizing the desolation and abandonment of the once-bustling place. The presence of birds like the cormorant and bittern in the upper lintels and windows of the city signifies a eerie silence, as their singing is the only sound heard in the deserted streets. The mention of desolation in the thresholds, along with the uncovering of the cedar work, further highlights the destruction and downfall of the city. Overall, this verse paints a vivid picture of a once-thriving city now left in ruins, with only the sounds of nature echoing through its empty streets.
Zephaniah 2:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
And herds shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations: both the pelican and the porcupine shall lodge in the capitals thereof; [their] voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds: for he hath laid bare the cedar-work.
World English Bible
Herds will lie down in the midst of her, all the animals of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for he has laid bare the cedar beams.
Douay-Rheims
And flocks shall lie down in the midst thereof, all the beasts of the nations: and the bittern and the urchin shall lodge in the threshold thereof: the voice of the singing bird in the window, the raven on the upper post, for I will consume her strength.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And flockes shall lie in the middes of her, and all the beastes of the nations, and the pelicane, and the owle shall abide in the vpper postes of it: the voyce of birdes shall sing in the windowes, and desolations shalbe vpon the postes: for the cedars are vncouered.