Zephaniah 1:16
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.
Original Language Analysis
י֥וֹם
A day
H3117
י֥וֹם
A day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
of the trumpet
H7782
שׁוֹפָ֖ר
of the trumpet
Strong's:
H7782
Word #:
2 of 9
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) or curved horn
וּתְרוּעָ֑ה
and alarm
H8643
וּתְרוּעָ֑ה
and alarm
Strong's:
H8643
Word #:
3 of 9
clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֶעָרִ֣ים
cities
H5892
הֶעָרִ֣ים
cities
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 9
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
הַבְּצֻר֔וֹת
against the fenced
H1219
הַבְּצֻר֔וֹת
against the fenced
Strong's:
H1219
Word #:
6 of 9
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
וְעַ֖ל
H5921
וְעַ֖ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Isaiah 32:14Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;Amos 3:6Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?Hosea 8:1Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the LORD, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.
Historical Context
Judah's cities had substantial fortifications from Hezekiah's preparations against Assyria. Archaeological evidence from Lachish, Azekah, and Jerusalem confirms elaborate defensive systems that proved inadequate against Babylonian siege warfare.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fenced cities' and 'high towers' (career security, retirement plans, reputation) give you false confidence?
- How does the image of God's trumpet blast reframe your understanding of His 'alarm' through Scripture and conscience?
- In what ways do modern societies build defensive 'towers' against acknowledging God's authority?
Analysis & Commentary
A day of the trumpet and alarm (יוֹם שׁוֹפָר וּתְרוּעָה yom shofar u'teruah)—The shofar warned of enemy attack (Jeremiah 4:19, Amos 3:6) and announced the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:24). Here it heralds God Himself as invader.
Against the fenced cities, and against the high towers—Judah's fortifications provided false security. The Hebrew migdalim (towers) suggests military strongholds and human pride. No human defense withstands divine assault—a truth demonstrated when Babylon breached Jerusalem's walls in 586 BC despite Hezekiah's fortifications (2 Chronicles 32:5).