Judgment on the Philistines
(Zephaniah 2:4–7)

1This is the word of the LORD {YHWH} that came to Jeremiah (whom YHWH has appointed) the prophet about the Philistines (immigrants) before Pharaoh (great house) struck down Gaza (the strong). 2This is what the LORD {YHWH} says:

“See how the waters are rising from the north

and becoming an overflowing torrent.

They will overflow the land and its fullness,

the cities and their inhabitants.

The people will cry out,

and all who dwell in the land will wail

3at the sound of the galloping hooves of stallions,

the rumbling of chariots,

and the clatter of their wheels.

The fathers will not turn back for their sons;

their hands will hang limp.

4For the day has come

to destroy all the Philistines (immigrants),

to cut off from Tyre (a rock) and Sidon (hunting)

every remaining ally.

Indeed, the LORD {YHWH} is about to destroy the Philistines,

the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor (Crete).a

5The people of Gaza (the strong) will shave their heads in mourning;

Ashkelon (the fire of infamy) will be silenced.

O remnant of their valley (the Mediterranean coast),b

how long will you gash yourself?

6‘Alas, O sword of the LORD {YHWH},

how long until you rest?

Return to your sheath;

cease and be still!’

7How can it rest

when the LORD {YHWH} has commanded it?

He has appointed it against Ashkelon (the fire of infamy)

and the shore of its coastland.”