Matthew Poole and continuators on Zephaniah 3

1 WO to her that is filthy , and polluted , to the oppressing city.

The Prophet shew'd us Nineveh in ruins for her sins, from this doleful spectacle he brings us to take a prospect of what would come upon Jerusalem, which er'e long will be full of woes, because now full of sin.

Loathsom in her sins, so soul they are, and so abominably acted. A City, that, like an infamous Woman, is branded for her impudence in sin. Or wo to the great Craw, as pointing out the gluttony of Jerusalem literally, and their swallowing the poor who were a prey to the great ones.

Greatly polluted by this means.

Or the City foolish and seduced, as a silly Dove; so Heb. will bear, but our version is to be preferr'd, 'tis come to that pass, Jerusalem is a City that doth nothing but oppress, Jer. 6.6. and Ezek. 22. tot.

Marginal references: Or, gl[illegible: 1 letter]tte[illegible: 3 letters]s.; [illegible: 1 letter]eb. craw.

2 She obeyed not the voice : The received not correction : she trusted not in the LORD : she drew not near to her God .

Of the Law, her prophets or her faithful Priests (which were too few yet some there were), nor of God by his Mercy and judgments crying loud, warning, inviting; perswading to return.

Or instruction, did not learn, would not be instructed, there is a Meiosis in the words, she hated Instruction, as that wicked one, Psal. 50.17. and Prov. 5.12. and 13.18.

Put her confidence in Egypt and A[illegible: 1 letter]hur, in any Carnal refuges rather than in her God, in her Kings, Princes, Counsellours, Warriours and Confederates, &c.

When revolted did not return, when in distress did not seek him, did not draw near with Prayer, &c.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word], instruction.

3 Her princes within her are roaring Lions , her judges are evening wolves , they gnaw not the bones till the morrow .

Persons of principal place and authority about the King, Chief Officers in Civil Matters, and which is worse her own Princes born, and bred among them who should have been most tender, and just.

Which hunt for prey, are ever rearing or or threatning, affrighting or devouring. Such the Assyrian Princes were Nah. 2.11, 12. Such and no better are the Prin[illegible: 1 letter]es in Iudah and Ierusalem.

Elders of Cities, Magistrates of lo[illegible: 1 letter]er [illegible: 1 letter]ank. Or it may be the Sanbedrim?

Most hungry ins[illegible: 1 letter]tiable and cruel like Wolves of the evening whetted with hunger and fasting, H[illegible: 1 letter]b. 1.8.

They leave nothing to be eat on the morrow, they devour all presently.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter]zek. 22.27. [illegible: 1 word] 3.9, 10,

4 Her prophets are light and treacherous persons : her priests have polluted the sanctuary ; they have done violence to the law.

By education, profession and unwarranted practice called so, false Prophets such Z[illegible: 1 letter]dekiah, and probably [illegible: 1 word], Sec. were,

Unstable and inconstant, ready to comply with humors which they should have reproved▪ 1 Kings 22.13.

Men of treacheries, what ever pleasing temper they seem to [illegible: 1 letter]e of, yet still they design treachery, the H[illegible: 1 letter]b, seems to ran it higher, treacheries in the abstract.

Of the house of L[illegible: 1 letter]vi, of the stock of A[illegible: 1 letter]ron.

Bound by office to keep holy the Sanctuary have defiled it, and all that is Holy.

Wresting it by perverse interpretation to what sense best serveth a corrupt mind.

Marginal references: J[illegible: 1 letter]r 23 11, 32. Ho[illegible: 1 letter]. 9.7.; Ezek. 22.26.

5 The just LORD is in the midst thereof : he will not do iniquity : every morning doth he bring his judgment to light , he faileth not , but the unjust knoweth no shame.

Though unjust Princes, Judges, Prophets and Priests do not think so, yet the Lord who is most just is in the midst of them possibly the Sa[illegible: 2 letters]edrim, he observeth all, condemneth their violence, and in[illegible: 1 letter]ustice, he is Sovereign as Lord, and j[illegible: 1 letter]st as Judge.

To him it appertaineth to judge all, therefore the unjust shall be punished as well as the just approved.

Daily he discovereth his displeasure against the wicked and punisheth them.

Lets not one fit season [illegible: 2 letters]ip to convince, and awaken secure sinners, by publick and visible punishments, or judgments.

But the wicked Jews proceed impudently, without shame and without fear or amendment, there is no hope of better, where is no shame for worst of doings, Ier. 3.3.

Marginal references: Deut. 32.4.; Heb. morning by morning.; Jer. 6.15. and 8.12.

6 I have cut off the nations : their towers are desolate , I made their streets waste , that none passeth by : their cities are destroy'd , so that there is no man , that there is none inhabitant.

Of old the Canaanites, lately the ten Tribes, later yet, the Assyrians; and others have been cut off for their sins.

Either metaphorically Magistrates and great men, as chap. 1.16. Or litterally strong Towers built on the angles of Walls or Palaces.

Razed and demolished.

I overthrew their houses, that there were no streets,

or none that walkt through them.

Small or great, capital or not capital.

Taken, plundered, burnt, and ruined.

All fled, or slain, or starved, or swept away with Pestilence, or carried into Captivity, not an inhabitant left in the places.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word]

7 I said , Surely thou wilt fear me : thou wilt receive instruction , so their dwelling should not be cut off , howsoever I punisht them : but they rose early and corrupted all their doings .

I thought (speaking as man would) I concluded what was likely, what I might expect.

O Ierusalem, O Iudah

For the many and great judgments executed upon others in thy sight, thou wilt fear, by sinning still, to provoke me.

Wilt learn thy duty to do it, thy danger to prevent it, thy sins to repent of them, thy wayes, to amend them.

Houses, Villages, Ierusalem

sackt, and burnt.

What ever I had done against them however I had chastised them, had they been bettered, humbled, and amended, I would have spared, not destroyed utterly;

but they grew worse more eager in the pursuit of their vile courses, as if the day would be too short for their [illegible: 1 letter]ins, they rise early, and begin betimes,

designedly and out of set purpose did worse and worse, when smitten they revolted more and more Isa. 1.5.

8 ¶ Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey : for my determination is to gather the nations , that I may assemble the kingdoms , to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger : for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousie .

Since you will not be amended by all, since you grew worse and worse.

Ye refractory and incorrigible Jews. Rulers and People, attend my resolution, for I am resolved what I will do, and have set a day for it.

Until [illegible: 1 letter]as an Enemy rise up to destroy first, and next to take the sp[illegible: 1 letter]il, you by your si[illegible: 1 letter]s con[illegible: 1 letter]inue to be mine Enemies, and I will by my judgments, by the Chaldeans, who shall rise up against you, and destroy, and spoil you, shew my self in arms against you, as an Enemy to you.

My fixed purpose, that which I have unalterably resolved upon.

All that are subjects to the Chaldean Monarchy.

Which are Confederate with, or tributary to the Chaldeans, these thus gathered, lifted and marshalled in a mighty Army.

The obstinate incorrigible, and impious Jews first, (afterwards I will punish Babylon.)

which by their sins they have kindled against themselves.

The whole Land of Iudea and her Cities

consumed as if burnt up.

That jealousie wherewith God is jealous for his own Glory, for his Ordinances and Statutes, which Jewish people, princes, and their Prophets and their Priests had notoriously violated.

Marginal references: chap. 1.1[illegible: 1 letter].

9 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 .

Or then, afterwards, i. e. when my judgments have been executed, and have cut off the wicked.

I will give them a pure way of worshipping me, in Prayer, Praises and the issue of a purified heart, Ezek. 11.17, 18, 19.20▪ and 36. verse 26.

Perform all Religious service, all Religion being exprest thus by calling on the name of the Lord.

The Lord their God not Idols,

With one heart, and according to his own Law and Will, with one shoulder shall they bear the Yoke of the Law, alluding to Porters that join shoulder to shoulder in carrying great burthens.

Marginal references: Heb. lip.; Heb. shoulder.

10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia , my suppliants , even the daughter of my dispersed shall bring mine offering .

The Coasts which lie beyond the Rivers of India, saith the Ch[illegible: 2 letters]d▪ paraphrast, but I doubt whether the Captive Jews were carried so farr,

in Arabia, bordering on Egypt, whether 'tis easie to conceive many Jews might betake themselves, who are here called dispersed, or dispersion, somewhat distinguisht from Captives.

Praying to me, saith one version.

This explains who the suppliant is.

The praying remnant of the scattered Jews, who had gotten into those parts of Arabia that were coasting along the Rivers which divided Ethiopia Cu[illegible: 1 letter]aea from the rest of Arabia.

Shall return to their Land and bring themselves an offering unto the Lord, which was done when Cyrus in league with these Ethiopians procured their favour for the dispersed Jews, that they might return to Ierusalem, meet the [illegible: 1 letter] Captive brethren, and offer a gift to God.

Marginal references: Isa. 18.1.

11 In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings , wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride , and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mount .

When pardoned Captives and dispersed ones, shall return and serve the Lord with one consent mourning for their sins, and seeking the Lord.

With a shame of reproach, and confusion, when sin is pardoned, and sinful hearts were purified, reproachful shame may well cease, Isa. 54.4, 5▪

Which are expounded in the following words, the Prophet speaks of the sins they formerly committed against the Lord.

Hypocrites, proud formalists that placed all Religion in the gaudy out-side, these removed, and those that Worship the Lord doing it in sincerity gathered together, the Lord will accept and beautifie them.

Thou O nation of the Jews, formerly full of haughty thoughts of your selves, your Sacrifices, and your priviledges, but you shall no more boast, or glory, or vaunt your selves herein.

Either the City, or rather the Temple on which proud Hypocrites did bear themselves high formerly, when they lived in notorious sins, and yet cryed the Temple of the Lord, &c. Ier. 7.4, with 9, 10.

Marginal references: Heb. in my holy.

12 I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD .

The Chaldeans had spared none if the Lord had not preserved a remnant; 'tis he rather then they, which did leave a remnant.

To return and dwell in Iudaea and Ierusalem.

Or a people of a broken spirit, a meek, humble spirited people instead of that proud heart was once among them.

Not so much in outward respects as poor in spirit, such a people as the Lord can de[illegible: 1 letter]ight in.

Not in City or Temple, but in the Lord and in his mercy, faithfulness, and power.

13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity , nor speak lies : neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed , and lie down, and none shall make them afraid .

Preserved in captivity and dispersion, purified in the furnace of affliction, and now returned to their own Land

Shall not commit the sins they formerly committed, not provoke God with their abominations as before, it is not a prediction of a sinless, but of a reformed state, they shall be righteous, and taught of God, no more Idolaters.

They shall love Truth, and speak Truth, or in larger sence shall be honest and upright amongst men.

A false accuser or witness, like D[illegible: 2 letters]g or Iezabel's Evidences against Naboth, according to that, Psalm 15.2. and 24.4.

Or, they shall feed also, &c. so 'twill be a Blessing added as a Crown of their Piety and Truth; Or, if you read it, for they shall feed, &c. it gives you a reason why they shall not by frauds and lies, as formerly, sin against one another; They shall have a sufficiency by honest wayes, and from Gods Blessing, and shall not be under any great temptation to dishonesty, and lying.

Frights made David, Abraham, and others to forget truth, here none should fright them, and they should not fear to speak the truth; Their lips pure, v[illegible: 1 letter]r. 9. they trust in the Lord, verse 12. therefore shall not lie. Here's a cluster of Spiritual Promises with the Temporal.

14 Sing, O daughter of Zion, shout O Israel, be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

For all these mercies the Church is enjoined to be thankful▪ and to rejoice, and it is trebled, sing, shout and rejoice, O Daughter of Sion, Israel, and Daughter of Ierusalem; the same persons, the same duty, but differently expressed, but the whole heart required in all.

Marginal references: Isa. [illegible: 2 letters] and 44.[illegible: 1 letter] Zech. [illegible: 2 letters] ▪

15 The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy : the king of Israel, even the LORD, is in the midst of thee , thou shalt not see evil any more .

Who kills and makes alive, acquits or condemns, and none can reverse the Judgment.

Abolished, and put an end to thy sufferings, the judgments thy sins brought upon thee; He hath pardoned thy sins, and ended thy sorrowes.

Cast the Babylonian out of the Throne, and placed the P[illegible: 1 letter]rsian in it.

The Babylonian who held thee Captive, and placed in his room Cyrus mine anointed, and thy friend who shall let thee go free, Ezra 1.1.

Thus it is evident that the Lord who is thy King, O Israel, is with thee; that he taketh thy part, is returned to redeem, and govern thee.

No more such great evil as thou hast seen; whilst thy carriage is as becometh thy mercy received, and my presence with thee, thou shalt neither fear, nor feel like evils.

16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem Fear thou not: and to Zion y, Let not thine hands be slack .

The day or time of restitution, when the Captivity returned shall be settled in their Land.

By Prophets, or by Friends, congratulating them, or by each to other.

Inhabitants of Ierusalem ▪ the place being put for the people.

Disquiet not your selves with fears, though you may apprehend some dangers, from Sanballat and Tobiah, &c. though troublous times, as Neh. 4.1, 2. and Dan. 9.25.

In the work of the Lord, building the City, and Temple, and restoring the Worship of God, take heart, O ye returned Captives, for God your King is with you.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span]

17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty : he will save , he will rejoice over thee with joy : he will rest in his love , he will joy over thee with singing .

The Everlasting one, who changeth not,

Thine In covenant never to be forgotten, or repealed.

Can do all he will, can restrain, and destroy enemies, can support and defend his own people.

From thy fears, and thine Enemies rage.

Will greatly rejoice in thee.

Will take content and satisfaction in this his love.

The love he sheweth to thee shall be rest to him, not thy loveliness, but his own love shall satisfie him.

Shall shew greatest love, and joy in most affectionate manner, all expressions borrowed from the entirest love of man toward dearest relations, Psal. 103.11, 13. and Isa. 62.5.

Marginal references: He[illegible: 1 letter] [illegible: 1 span]

18 I will gather them that are sorrowfull for the solemn assembly , who are of thee , to whom the reproach of it was a burden .

This promise removes an objection which might be made by dispersed ones, how can we return? I will gather you saith God.

Mourn in their distance from the solemn Worship of God, as David, Psal. 42. that are for want of God's Ordinances troubled more then for any thing.

Which three times every year in great solemnity they celebrated, but now for 70 years had wanted them.

These longing mourners are thy Children indeed, Israelites in whom is no guile.

The taunts of Enemies and Triumphs over God and Religion, such as Ps. 42.3, 10.

Heaviest burthen or a Sword in their bowels.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 span]

19 Behold at that time I will undo all that afflict thee, and I will save her that halteth , and gather her that was driven out , and I will get them praise, and fame , in every land where they have been put to shame .

Mark well.

I will deal with them, do their work for them as we say, I will break their power and dissolve their Kingdom.

Babylonians who afflicted the Jews, and who were undone by Cyrus and his Persians.

Who is in great trouble and ready to fall, as Psal. 38.16, 17. who is under greatest distress, and hath least strength to bear, or get out.

By force of the Enemy, carried away Captives, and scattered into far remote Countries.

Vindicate them, as a people that are not rejected of their God, as the people of the great God of Heaven, and Earth, as Psal. 121.2.

Among all people with whom they dwelt as strangers

were scorned and reproached as slaves and abjects whose God could not, or would not, help them, or had cast them off, and none other would tak care of them. But now gathered together by the Lord, shall appear to be still his peculiar people and his delight.

Marginal references: Ezeck. [illegible: 1 span] Mich. 4.[illegible: 2 letters]; Heb. set them [illegible: 1 word] a praise..; Heb. of their [illegible: 1 word].

20 At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, faith the LORD.

This verse is a repetition of the promise for the greater assurance of it, and seems to adde but little to what was before promised, unless it be the speediness of what God doth for them, and the comprehensiveness of it, he will turn back their Captivities, Heb. plur. whether under Manasseh, or Iehojakim or Ieconiah, or Zedekiah; all which is confirmed with the broad Seal of Heaven. Thus saith the LORD. Believe then and rejoyce in it.