Definition: Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 2:9. It's a pretty serious warning about the future. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the devastating consequences that will result if the people of Moab and Ammon (two nations near Israel) continue to live in sin, wickedness, and disregard for God. It’s essentially predicting a complete destruction and ruin. Let's unpack it word by word: “Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts…” - This is a declaration of the speaker’s position – they are speaking from a place of power and authority. It’s like saying “This is what I am going to do.” “…the God of Israel…” - We know this refers to Moses, who was the leader of the Israelites at Mount Sinai. “Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah…” – This compares Moab and Ammon to what happened in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible (Genesis 19). These stories are about a wicked city and a town that lived in complete wickedness. The verse says they will be as terrible, as corrupt, as abandoned – essentially doomed. “…even the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation…” - This is a very dramatic image. It suggests a completely barren, desolate land – like a giant, unusable patch of soil where nothing grows. It’s not just a loss of land; it's a complete absence of life and prosperity. “the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.” - This is the most frightening part. It means that even after the destruction, the remaining remnants of the people – those who haven’t completely abandoned their ways – will be completely destroyed and taken by the land itself. It's a terrifying prophecy of complete annihilation. Overall Meaning: Zephaniah 2:9 is a warning about the consequences of continuing to live in sin and wickedness. It warns that if these nations don't change, they will be consumed by God’s judgment, leaving behind nothing but ruin and devastation. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about future political events – specifically, the rise of the Roman Empire and its potential destruction of Israel. However, it's generally understood as a broader warning about human wickedness and the consequences of rejecting God’s guidance. Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Provide context on the story of Sodom and Gomorrah? Talk about how this verse relates to other prophecies in the Bible?