Zephaniah 2:14

14. In the ruins desert animals will take up their abode.

Flocks R.V., “herds.” A word used elsewhere only of animals tended by herdsmen, but since the rest of Zephaniah 2:14 seems to be an expansion of the term, it must be used here of wild beasts and creatures of the desert. Wellhausen changes one letter and transposes two, which gives the name “Arabians.”

All the beasts of the nations Margin R.V., “all beasts of every kind”; LXX., “all the beasts of the field.” The common English translation is the most literal reproduction of the Hebrew text, but the meaning of the phrase is not clear. Some have understood “beasts” figuratively of wild and ferocious men, perhaps the shepherds of the flocks (but see preceding comment), as if the prophet wanted to say that wild men coming from different nations would lodge in the ruins of Nineveh. This figurative use of “beasts” is not very probable. The LXX. reading gives better sense, and we may be justified in altering the present Hebrew text to make it agree with it. The marginal translation also gives good sense, but to get it from the present Hebrew text is a difficult task. The present text may be retained, if we give to the word translated “nations” a meaning which it does not have ordinarily, “mass” or “swarms” (compare Joel 1:6; Proverbs 30:25), and render the whole phrase “all kinds of beasts in mass.” This, in apposition to the preceding “flocks,” would express the idea that great masses of desert animals of every kind will settle in the ruins of the destroyed city.

Cormorant R.V., “pelican.” There is much uncertainty about the animals or birds mentioned in this verse. Undoubtedly all are such as are accustomed to inhabit ruins and desolate places. The translation of R.V. is generally accepted as correct (compare “pelican of the wilderness,” Psalms 102:6). H. Duhm ( Die bosen Geister im Alten Testament) sees here a reference to demons that were thought to dwell in ruins.

Bittern R.V., “porcupine.” The latter is the meaning which LXX. gives to the word and is accepted by most commentators. The two words occur together in a similar description in Isaiah 34:11 (compare Isaiah 14:23).

The upper lintels R.V., “capitals.” See on Amos 9:1. These capitals are thought of as lying on the ground, so that even porcupines can make their homes in them. “The seer has such a mass of ruins in view as Baalbek presents to-day; the giant capitals which encircled the buildings lie like broken cornstalks; on the other hand, the walls still stand in ruin, with desolate threshold and window, through which the wind whistles.”

Their voice will sing in the windows Literally, a voice shall sing; or, better, since it is an exclamation, Hark! they sing! (See on Zephaniah 1:14.) The prophet imagines himself standing in the midst of the ruins, and, hearing a voice, he exclaims, “Hark! they sing!” The subject of “sing” must be the creatures inhabiting the ruins; hence “sing” must be understood in the general sense of making a noise or uttering a sound, a meaning which the verb does not have ordinarily. Instead of “voice” (= hark) many read “owls”; the whole clause, “owls shall sing in the windows.” If the emendation suggested for the next clause is correct, a comparison with Isaiah 34:11, suggests that “owl” was read here originally. It is even possible that the two words translated “a voice shall sing” should be read as one, and that this one word is the corrupt form of a noun meaning “owls,” so that the whole clause would read, “owls shall be in the windows.”

Desolation shall be in the thresholds LXX, reads, with a change of one letter, “ravens” for “desolation,” and this fits admirably in the context, “ravens shall be in the thresholds.”

For he shall uncover the cedar work A much-discussed clause whose meaning is uncertain. It seems to state the reason why the city will become the habitation of desert birds and animals. “He shall uncover” might be understood in the indefinite sense “one shall uncover” they shall uncover, that is, the enemies who will execute the divine judgment. The same verb is translated in Psalms 137:7, “rase” (to the foundation), and implies destruction. The word translated “cedar work” occurs in this form only here; if original it must refer to the costly woodwork in the palaces and temples of Nineveh. In order to remove the peculiar form some change the vocalization so as to read “her cedar”=her cedar work, that is, the cedar work of the city. Others see in the word a corrupt form of a verb similar in meaning to the other verb, so that the whole clause would read, “they shall destroy, they shall ruse.” All these suggestions are more or less unsatisfactory, and much uncertainty remains; perhaps the text is in disorder.

Zephaniah 2:15 contains a taunt-song over the fallen city.

This The ruin inhabited by desert animals and birds.

The rejoicing city R.V., “joyous.” Good fortune seemed to smile on Nineveh, hence all was joy and exultation.

Dwelt carelessly Added to the natural strength of its site were extensive fortifications, so that the city seemed impregnable; in consequence her inhabitants were careless and boastful.

I am, and there is none beside me Literally, I am, and none else (compare Isaiah 47:8). Her armies had conquered almost the whole known world, from all directions tribute and countless treasures were being brought to the city, hence there was some ground for the boast. But pride always comes before the fall. The glory of Nineveh will be turned into shame.

Desolation See on Zephaniah 2:13.

A place for beasts See on Zephaniah 2:14.

Shall hiss An expression of derision and scorn (Micah 6:16; Jeremiah 18:16).

Wag his hand Also a gesture of scorn, equivalent to wag his head (Jeremiah 18:16; compare Nahum 3:19).