Zephaniah 3:9 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. Will I turn to the people - This promise must refer to the conversion of the Jews under the Gospel.

That they may all call - That the whole nation may invoke God by Christ, and serve him with one consent; not one unbeliever being found among them.

The pure language, שפה ברורה saphah berurah, may here mean the form of religious worship. They had been before idolaters: now God promises to restore his pure worship among them. The word has certainly this meaning in Psalms 81:6; where, as God is the speaker, the words should not be rendered, "I heard a language which I understood not," but, "I heard a religious confession, which I approved not." See Isaiah 19:18; Hosea 14:3; and see Joel 2:28, where a similar promise is found.

Zephaniah 3:9

9 For then will I turn to the people a pure language,c that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent.