-
Zephaniah 3:1 open_in_new
Her that is filthy and polluted] evidently Jerusalem. The cause is the crimes of her civil and religious leaders. 3. They gnaw not the bones till the morrow] LXX is more in accord with the context and the habits of wolves, 'they leave nothing over till morning.'
-
Zephaniah 3:1-20 open_in_new
The Judgment upon the Evil Rulers of Jerusalem, and its ultimate Purification and Restoration
Like Amos and Micah, the prophet sternly denounces the crimes of the ruling classes in Jerusalem, points out their ingratitude to Jehovah, and announces the doom that is inevitable. The gloom of the opening vv. is dispelled, however, by the hopes of restoration which appear to reflect a later age. Zephaniah 3:9-10; Zechariah 3:14-20 have the exultant ring of Isaiah 40-55.
-
Zephaniah 3:6 open_in_new
Towers] i.e. the fortified towers at the corners of the walls.
-
Zephaniah 3:7 open_in_new
So their dwelling.. punished them] LXX renders, 'And nothing that I have enjoined her will be cut off from her sight.'
-
Zephaniah 3:9 open_in_new
Pure language] cp. Isaiah 6:5; Hosea 2:16; Hosea 2:17. They will no more call upon the names of the heathen gods: cp. Zephaniah 1:5.
-
Zephaniah 3:10 open_in_new
RM reads, 'From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia shall they bring my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, for an offering unto me.'
14-20. A Messianic hymn, in which not the Messiah but Jehovah Himself is the promised King and Deliverer (Zechariah 3:17-18).
18b. RM 'which hast borne the burden of reproach.'
-
Zephaniah 3:19 open_in_new
Her that halteth, and.. was driven out] i.e. the exiled Jewish race: cp. Micah 4:6-7; Jeremiah 33:9; Isaiah 42:7.
-
Zephaniah 3:20 open_in_new
When I bring again (RV) your captivity] i.e. when I restore your captives: cp. Psalms 53:6; Psalms 126:1; Psalms 126:2.