The four nations

In the previous passage, the day of the Lord’s anger was prophesied against apostate Israel. Following that, judgment against the surrounding nations is prophesied (2:4-15). The meaning is that if these surrounding nations will face God’s judgment, then Israel, God’s people, will face even more severe judgment. Four surrounding nations are listed: (1) The land of the Philistines (west of Israel). (2) Moab and Ammon (east of Israel). (3) Ethiopia (south of Israel). (4) Assyria (north of Israel).

The land of the Philistines

The land of the Philistines was a confederation of five major cities, each ruled by its own king. The names of four of the five cities are mentioned (Gath is not included). (1) Gaza is the southernmost city of the Philistines. “Gaza will be abandoned” is a wordplay in Hebrew: “Azzah-Azubah.” (2) Ashkelon is a coastal city located north of Gaza. It says, “Ashkelon will become a desolation.” The name Ashkelon means “a fruitful land,” so there is irony here in that it will become desolate. (3) Further north from Ashkelon is Ashdod. It says, “Ashdod will be driven out at noon.” “Noon” is the hottest time of the day, when soldiers would normally be resting. Yet at that time, Ashdod will be easily driven out. (4) Going inland from Ashdod, there is Ekron. It says, “Ekron will be uprooted.” Here again there is a wordplay: “Ekron-te‘aqer.” “The inhabitants of the seacoast” and “the Cherethites” both refer to the Philistines. (1) God says, “I will eliminate you so that there will be no inhabitant.” Indeed, the Philistines disappeared from history. (2) God also promises, “And the coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah, they will drive sheep to pasture on it. In the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down at evening; for the Lord their God will care for them and restore their fortunes” (v 7). Since 1948, Ashkelon has, for the first time, become part of Israel’s territory. However, this is not the fulfillment of the prophecy. This prophecy will be fulfilled at the time of Israel’s future restoration. God is sovereign over history. No one can alter that history. Let us confess our trust in that God.