Definition: And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 2:7. It's a pretty serious and hopeful message about the future! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks of a time when God is going to restore the people of Judah (a group of tribes living near Jerusalem) after they have been scattered and lost. It’s saying that God will come back to save them, and they will find peace and security again. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Zephaniah 2:7” : This is the name of the passage itself – a prophecy from the Old Testament book of Zephaniah. “And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah…” : This means that God will create a safe place for the remaining people of Judah, specifically those who are still loyal to him and his covenant. “Coast” refers to land along the sea – likely the area around Jerusalem. “they shall feed thereupon:” This is key! It means they will thrive on this safe place. They will find a place to live, grow, and prosper. It’s like a garden that God creates for them. “in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening…” : Ashkelon was an important city near Jerusalem at the time. So, this suggests that these people will settle down and live peacefully in this area, perhaps building communities or establishing a new way of life. “In the evening” emphasizes a sense of rest and tranquility. “for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.” : This is the most important part. It means God will come back to rescue them from their problems – their separation, their wandering, and their lost faith. "Turn away their captivity" signifies that they will be freed and restored to their rightful place as a people under God’s protection. In short, it's a message of hope and restoration. God is returning to save the people of Judah, and they will find peace, security, and prosperity in a safe place he creates for them. What does this mean for us today? It reminds us that God cares deeply about his people and is working towards their restoration. It's a message of comfort and encouragement when we feel lost or troubled – knowing that God is working to bring us back to him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific historical event or figure? Discuss the symbolism behind the imagery (like the “coast” and "Ashkelon")?