Matthew Poole and continuators on Zephaniah 2:14

14 And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her , all the beasts of the nations: both the cormorant and the bittern shall lodge in the upper lintels of it: their voice shall sing in the windows , desolation shall be in the thresholds : for he shall uncover the cedar work.

Ninev[illegible: 1 letter]h shall be so razed that Flocks of Cattel shall lie down in the midst of it, as before of the Philistines, ver. 6.

All sorts of beasts which are found in those. Countreys, the tame under the guard of watching shepherds, and wild ones seeking their prey will a[illegible: 2 letters]end about those places.

Birds that are solitary, and delight in desolate places, in Reedy Fens, where they seek their food, and are look'd on as unlucky Birds.

Shall either make their nests there▪ or seek and choose their Lodging there; they shall roost there in the night upon the Pillars, or Turrets or Pinacles.

These doleful Creatures shall make a more doleful noise, that shall be all the Musick to be heard in their desolate Windows.

The lowest part of their houses, from top to bottom nothing but wastes and ruine, instead of Beautiful Ladies looking out at Windows and Doors, and singing; now cormorants and bitterns, and their doleful Notes.

Or when the Babylonian hath burnt the houses, or beat down the curious Roofs and coverings of Cedar, the beauty and the defence of their houses.

Marginal references: Cr, Pelican.; Isa. 24.11, 14.; Or, [illegible: 1 word], or [illegible: 1 word]; Or, when he [illegible: 1 word] uncovered.