The term perhaps
usually expresses someone’s expectation that falls short of total assurance (Genesis 16:2; Exodus 32:30; 1 Kings 18:5, 1 Kings 18:27; 2 Kings 19:4; Job 1:5). Here in Zephaniah 2:3, the word is not used to cause doubt as to the effectiveness of the shelter for the repentant, but to emphasise that none can be presumptuous in this issue of deliverance (see also Joel 2:14; Amos 5:15; Jonah 3:9; Acts 8:22).
That said, the word does signal an ambiguity, which must prevail. For there is no doubt that the day of the anger of the Lord will come, and shall burn like fire among Israel. Yet it is equally true that none who are the Lord’s by faith shall be lost, for they have already been judged in Christ. And yet, God’s redeemed may “undergo the severest of chastening judgments. They may suffer alongside the rebellious…. This perhaps of the prophet speaks. For who knows the seasons of the Lord’s judgments? Who can say when he will determine that the grossness of iniquity has become full? Now is the time to seek the Lord with all your heart. You may be hid on the Day of his appearing.”1
3 Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.