1. Zephaniah 2:4 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is significant about the order in which the Philistine cities are mentioned?

Zephaniah 2:4 (ESV)

4 For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod’s people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted.

The order in which the cities are mentioned goes from the southernmost city of Gaza and moves northward along the coast to Ashkelon and Ashdod. Ekron, an inland city, is mentioned last.1