Some understand the verb gather to indicate an idea parallel to that of Joel 2:15–17, where the Lord calls the people to gather in a sacred assembly in order for them to plead for mercy in view of the coming day of the Lord. But this interpretation involves reading more into this passage than is valid, not in the least because the verbs used for gather in Joel and here are different. The word used here for gather (קָשַׁשׁ) is unusual, building on the word for straw, stubble (קַשׁ). The verb is used elsewhere in Exodus 5:7, Exodus 5:12, where Pharaoh orders the overseers not to give the people any more straw for the making of bricks. They are to be ordered to gather straw for themselves. It is used in Numbers 15:32–33 about a man who was found gathering firewood on the Sabbath. The verb conveys the meaning of gathering, perhaps what is small, insignificant, stubble-like. The usage in Zephaniah 2:1, then implies that the remnant of faithful ones in Judah are stubble, chaff, good only for a fire. Judgment on Judah is inevitable, as much of chapter 1 has made clear. But the remnant is nevertheless called to gather together, to humble themselves, to acknowledge their worthlessness by bundling themselves together in unity and separating from all that is destined for the fire of God’s wrath.¹ Otherwise, they must expect to become gathered together like the very stubble they have become, and be burned. They must humble themselves, or be humbled. This is their only hope.²