Zephaniah 2:9
Therefore as I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.
Zephaniah 2:9 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Zephaniah, the prophet delivers a message from the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, about the fate of the nations of Moab and Ammon. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities known in biblical history for their wickedness and destruction, signifies the terrible judgment that will come upon these nations. The imagery of breeding nettles and saltpits illustrates the desolation and perpetual ruin that will befall them. The mention of spoiling and possession by the residue and remnant of God's people suggests that Moab and Ammon will be conquered and taken over by the people of Israel. This passage serves as a warning of the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as a promise of divine judgment and justice. It underscores the sovereignty of God and the ultimate triumph of His chosen people.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Zephaniah, the prophet delivers a strong message from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the fate of Moab and the children of Ammon. The mention of Sodom and Gomorrah alludes to the destruction and desolation that will come upon these nations. The comparison with Sodom and Gomorrah serves to emphasize the severity of the judgment that will befall Moab and Ammon. The imagery of "the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation" paints a picture of complete ruin and desolation that will come upon these lands. The promise that the residue and remnant of God's people will spoil and possess them highlights the victorious outcome for the righteous. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and a reminder of God's justice and sovereignty over all nations.
Zephaniah 2:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
Therefore as I live, saith Jehovah of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall make a prey of them, and the remnant of my nation shall inherit them.
World English Bible
Therefore as I live, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them.
Douay-Rheims
Therefore as I live, saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel, Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrha, the dryness of thorns, and heaps of salt, and a desert even for ever: the remnant of my people shall make a spoil of them, and the residue of my nation shall possess them.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore, as I liue, saith the Lord of hostes, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall bee as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorah, euen the breeding of nettels and salt pittes, and a perpetuall desolation: the residue of my folke shall spoyle them, and the remnant of my people shall possesse them.