# General Information:

In 2:4-15, Yahweh announces his judgment on the nations that surround Judah.

# Gaza ... Ashkelon ... Ashdod ... Ekron

These were the four major Philistine cities of that day.

# will be abandoned ... will turn into a devastation

These two phrases emphasize the complete destruction of these cities.

# They will drive out Ashdod at noon

Here "They" refers to the enemies of the Philistines. Possible meanings for "at noon" are: the enemies will defeat Ashdod before noon or the enemies will attack Ashdod at noon while the people are resting and unaware.

# they will uproot Ekron

"they will take the people of Ekron away as if uprooting a tree"