Zephaniah 1
DOYLY— O notion not desired:] “Not desired,” that is, not recorded with favour. Abp. Newcome. The Greek and the Chaldee interpret it, “O nation, that will not receive instruction,” and is not to be amended but by the discipline of God’s judgments. W. Lowth.
Zephaniah 1:17
- — like blind men.] Not knowing whither to go, or which way to take for safety. Compare Deut. xxviii. 29; Isa. lix. 10. W. Lowth.
Zephaniah 1:18
- — the fire of his jealousy:] God’s vengeance is frequently compared to fire: see Nahum i. 6. This shall consume the land and its inhabitants for their heinous offences, and chiefly for their idolatry; because that sin peculiarly intrenches upon God’s honour, which is incommunicable to others; whence He is called “a jealous God,” Exod. xx. 5; xxxiv. 14. W. Lowth.
We should reflect on the cause of these miseries, which befel the Jews. They had forsaken the Lord, and corrupted his worship; and while they remained in this state of rebellion and impiety, they still flattered themselves that they were secure from danger, and that God would bring no evil upon them. Thus God punishes the obstinate and impenitent profanation of the Divine service, especially in those to whom He has in a particular manner made Himself known. Ostereald.
Chap. II. ver. 1. Gather yourselves together.] Assemble yourselves, in order to make a publick humiliation: see Joel ii. 16. W. Lowth. This chapter contains an exhortation to earnest repentance and amendment of their former life, to the end they may escape the threatened evils. For those whom God reproves, except the fault be in themselves, He means to save. Let men change their deeds, and I, saith the Lord, will change my purpose. And this exhortation is often repeated in the present chapter, to the end that those, who remained obstinate and stubborn, might be without excuse. Danæus.