And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
Ver. 20. Except the Lord had shortened] Mutilaverat, truncaverat, εκολοβωσε. Not in respect of the divine decree, but, 1. Of the long miseries that the people had deserved. 2. Of the enemies' rage, that would have exceeded. See Zechariah 1:13 .