Zephaniah 3
DOYLYZephaniah 3:3
- — they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.] When they find a prey they devour it at once, and stay not to gnaw upon the bones, but swallow them down hastily. Bp. Hall. Our translation of this passage is ambiguous: but probably it was intended to express, that those wolves were not employed so long as till the morrow in gnawing the bones, for that before that time they had devoured the prey, flesh, skin, bones, and all, as wolves commonly do. Parkhurst.
Zephaniah 3:5
- — every morning] The expression “every morning” alludes to the custom of administering justice in the morning: see Ps. ci. 8; Jer. xxi. 12. W. Lowth.
Zephaniah 3:6
6, 7. I have cut off the nations: &c.] I have given the Jews sufficient warning by those judgments, which I have brought upon the neighbouring nations. I said of thee, O Jerusalem, Surely thou wilt be premonished by my judgments to fear me, &c. Bp. Hall.
God is introduced speaking after the manner of men, and expecting what effect such proceedings might in reason have produced. Compare Isa. v. 4; Jer. viii. 6. W. Lowth. God had caused the Jews to see the destruction of several nations, and especially of their brethren the Israelites, that they might learn by these examples to fear Him: but because they had persevered in their rebellion, the fire of his wrath was going to consume them. Those who see the examples of Divine justice, and the miseries which befall others, and do not improve by them, aggravate their guilt and punishment, and have reason to expect the severest effects of the Divine vengeance. Ostervold.
Zephaniah 3:8
- — for my determination is to gather the nations, &c.] This may perhaps be meant of the same general summons, of which Joel speaks, when the nations shall be gathered “into the valley of Jehoshaphat:” see Joel iii. 2. 12; and the notes there. W. Lowth.
Zephaniah 3:9
- For then will I turn to the people a pure language, &c.] “Then” used largely for afterwards. Abp. Newcome. After which I will restore peace to my people; Vol. II.
Zephaniah 3:10
- From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia &c.] The Jews, who are dispersed into the most distant countries, such as was Ethiopia, which lay beyond Egypt, shall come into the Christian Church, and there make their religious acknowledgments. W. Lowth. See the note on Isa. xviii. 1. Abp. Newcome.
“The daughter of my dispersed” is the same with my dispersed; as “the daughter of Zion” is equivalent to Zion: see the note on Jer. iv. 31. W. Lowth.
Zephaniah 3:11
- In that day shalt thou not be ashamed &c.] In that day thou shalt have no cause to be ashamed of all thy former offences, wherein thou hast transgressed against me; since I have both fully forgiven them, and reformed them also; for then I will take away from thee that vain pride and confidence, which too many of my people put in the holiness of mount Zion, and the temple there; as if that alone could secure them from all evils, and procure all blessings. Bp. Hall. See the note on Isa. iv. 2.
Zephaniah 3:12
- I will also leave in the midst of thee &c.] Rather, In the stead of these proud boasters, I will leave in the midst of thee those meek and humble souls, which shall be vile in their own eyes, and shall place all their trust in Christ their Saviour. Bp. Hall. The blessings of the Gospel are peculiarly promised to the poor: see Isa. xi. 4; xiv. 32; lxi. 1; Zech. xi. 11. Christ and his Apostles apply these promises to those that were converted by their preaching, Matt. v. 3; xi. 5; 1 Cor. i. 26, 27; James ii. 5; which texts are meant of such as are endowed with a true spirit of poverty, such as consists in a lowliness of mind, contempt of the world, and
Zephaniah 3:13
- they shall feed and lie down, &c.] The great Shepherd, the Messiah, shall both feed and protect them: compare Ezek. xxxiv. 28; Mic. iv. 4; v. 4; vii. 14. W. Lowth.
Zephaniah 3:14
- Sing, O daughter of Zion; &c.] These hymns of joy properly belong to the times of the Gospel, and especially to the triumphant state of the Church yet to come. Compare Isa. xii. 6; liv. 1; Zech. ii. 10; ix. 9. W. Lowth, Dr. Wells.
Zephaniah 3:18
- I will gather them that are sorrowful &c.] I will gather and comfort them that mourn after the solemn assemblies of Zion; grieving at their withholding therefrom by their forced captivity: who are a feeling part of thee, my Church; to whom the reproach of their long restraint was a burden. Bp. Hall. The humiliation and affliction of the Jews have furnished matter of reproach to their enemies. Abp. Newcome.
Zephaniah 3:19
- — I will save her that halteth, &c.] See the note on the passage in the margin. The promises which Zephaniah adds to his former threatenings, teach us, that, as God afflicts men only to chastise and purify them, He removes their afflictions when they return to Him. Ostervald.