Bible Commentaries
Zephaniah 3

Verses 1-20

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, Zephaniah 3:14-20 have the exultant ring of Isaiah 40-55.

1. 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.’

6. Towers] i.e. the fortified towers at the corners of the walls.

7. So their dwelling.. punished them] LXX renders, ’And nothing that I have enjoined her will be cut off from her sight.’

9. 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.

10. 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 (Zephaniah 3:17-18).

18b. RM ’which hast borne the burden of reproach.’

19. Her that halteth, and.. was driven out] i.e. the exiled Jewish race: cp. Micah 4:6-7; Jeremiah 33:9; Isaiah 42:7.

20. When I bring again (RV) your captivity] i.e. when I restore your captives: cp. Psalms 53:6; Psalms 126:1, Psalms 126:2.