Bible Commentary

Before the decree bring forth, [before] the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD’s anger come upon you. 2. The verse is probably in some disorder: the first two clauses can hardly present the original text, and the last two clauses … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 2:2”

Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; Chap. Zep 2:1-3. Exhortation to men to seek righteousness, if perchance they may be hid in the Day of the Lord 1. The prophet addresses himself to Judah. Gather yourselves together ] The sense is obscure. The verb ( ash) is used of gathering straw, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 2:1”

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’s wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land. 18. The idea of the verse is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:18”

And I will bring distress upon men, that they shall walk like blind men, because they have sinned against the LORD: and their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh as the dung. 17. The distress, though at first outward, leads to inward perplexity, when men can find no outlet or way, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:17”

A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers. 16. Besides the supernatural terrors of the judgment there is the hostile assault which the supernatural terrors accompany. A day of the trumpet and alarm ] The “trumpet” was blown amidst the attack (Jdg 7:19), as now martial music … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:16”

That day [is] a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 15. a day of wrath ] i.e. of the outpouring of the wrath of God. The effects of this wrath are then detailed: … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:15”

The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly. 14. The great day of the Lord is near ] The day is called “great and terrible,” Joe 2:31; Mal 4:5, and is always represented … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:14”

Therefore their goods shall become a booty, and their houses a desolation: they shall also build houses, but not inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof. 13. The verse implies that the “search” ( Zep 1:12) is made by the foe under commission of the Lord; the foe is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:13”

And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil. 12. I will search Jerusalem with candles ] lit. with lamps, or, lanterns, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:12”

Howl, ye inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people are cut down; all they that bear silver are cut off. 11. ye inhabitants of Maktesh ] The term Maktesh is rendered “hollow-place,” Jdg 15:19, and mortar, Pro 27:22. Some depression or valley in the city is referred to: Hitzig thinks of that between Acra … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zephaniah 1:11”