Matthew Poole and continuators on Zephaniah 1:12

12 And it shall come to pass at that time , that I will search Jerusalem with candles , and punish the men that are setled on their lees : that say in their heart , the LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil .

'Twas day, ver. 10. which see let. a.

God speaks after the manner of man who searcheth dark places with Candles in hand; God's Omniscience seeth all things, and needs no help for discovery, but by this expression foretels how fully he would both discover, and punish.

It is like enough this was literally fulfilled when the Chaldeans did search the Vaults, and Sellars, and sewers of Ierusalem for Men, or Goods hidden in them.

In allusion to Liquors which not being poured out from Vessel to Vessel to refine them, grow thick and setled; so men that have known none or little changes settle in security, and fear no menaces.

Entertain an opinion, or begin to flatter themselves into thoughts.

No providence to countenance the good, or to punish the bad: No God, or none that regardeth what is done on Earth, or as they, Ezek. 8. 12. think God hath forsaken the Earth. These Atheists God will punish severely, as the sin well deserveth; they shall see, it shall be well with the righteous, and ill with the wicked.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]