This verse is an introduction to a long section of direct speech from the mouth of the Lord covering verses 8–13. It sets forth the topic of the following verses, namely, the day of the Lord. To be silent in the presence of God is a sign of reverence and is mentioned elsewhere in this connection (Hab 2:20; Zech 2:13). The clause Be silent before the Lord God may be expressed idiomatically in certain languages as “Be silent in front of the face of the Lord God,” or “Do not say anything when you are
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