Zephaniah 2:8
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.
Original Language Analysis
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
I have heard
H8085
שָׁמַ֙עְתִּי֙
I have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 13
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
H4124
מוֹאָ֔ב
of Moab
Strong's:
H4124
Word #:
3 of 13
moab, an incestuous son of lot; also his territory and descendants
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עַמּ֑וֹן
of Ammon
H5983
עַמּ֑וֹן
of Ammon
Strong's:
H5983
Word #:
6 of 13
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חֵֽרְפוּ֙
whereby they have reproached
H2778
חֵֽרְפוּ֙
whereby they have reproached
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
8 of 13
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֔י
my people
H5971
עַמִּ֔י
my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיַּגְדִּ֖ילוּ
and magnified
H1431
וַיַּגְדִּ֖ילוּ
and magnified
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
11 of 13
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
Cross References
Amos 1:13Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:Jeremiah 49:1Concerning the Ammonites, thus saith the LORD; Hath Israel no sons? hath he no heir? why then doth their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cities?
Historical Context
Moab and Ammon occupied Transjordan east of the Dead Sea. They frequently allied against Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1) and gloated over Jerusalem's fall (Ezekiel 25:3, 8). Both nations were conquered by Babylon shortly after Judah (c. 582 BC, Josephus, Antiquities 10.9.7), fulfilling these prophecies. By the Hellenistic period, they had ceased to exist as distinct peoples.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's hearing the 'reproach' of His people comfort believers mocked for their faith?
- What does it mean that attacks on God's people are ultimately attacks on God Himself?
- When have you witnessed arrogant nations or individuals 'magnify themselves,' and what was the outcome?
Analysis & Commentary
I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the revilings of the children of Ammon (shamati cherpat Moav ve'gidufei benei Ammon)—God hears when His people are mocked. 'Reproach' (cherpah) and 'revilings' (gidufei) are strong terms for blasphemous taunting, not mere criticism.
Whereby they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border—Moab and Ammon, Lot's descendants (Genesis 19:37-38), were related to Israel but hostile. They expanded their borders at Israel's expense during weakness. Magnifying themselves (vayyagdilu) means arrogant self-exaltation. To reproach Israel is to reproach Israel's God (Zephaniah 2:10)—judgment on Moab/Ammon vindicates God's honor.