Their goods; literally, their strength; their wealth in which they trusted shall become the prey of the enemy, and thus they shall learn that God ruleth in the affairs of men. They shall also build houses, etc. They shall prove in their own case the reality of the punishment threatened in the Law ( Leviticus 26:32 , etc.; Deuteronomy 28:30 , Deuteronomy 28:39 ; comp. Amos 5:11 ; Micah 6:15 ). read more
I will search - (Literally, “diligently”). The word is always used of a minute diligent search, whereby places, persons, things, are searched and sifted one by one in every corner, until it be found whether a thing be there or no . Hence, also of the searching out of every thought of the heart, either by God Proverbs 20:27, or in repentance by the light of God Lamentations 3:40.Jerusalem with candles - so that there should be no corner, no lurking-place so dark, but that the guilty should be... read more
Therefore their goods - Literally, “And their strength.” It is the simple sequel in God’s Providence. It is a continued narrative. God will visit those who say, that God does not interfere in man’s affairs, and, it shall be seen Jeremiah 44:28 whose words shall stand, God’s or their’s. All which God had threatened in the law shall be fulfilled. God, in the fulfillment of the punishment, which He had foretold in the law Leviticus 26:32-33; Deuteronomy 28:0, would vindicate not only His present... read more
Zephaniah 1:12-13. At that time, I will search Jerusalem with candles I will deliver up Jerusalem into the hands of the Chaldeans, who shall let no corner of it escape them, but shall diligently search the houses, even with lights or torches, that they may plunder them of every thing. And punish the men that are settled on their lees Who live securely in ease and plenty: see notes on Jeremiah 48:11, and Amos 6:1. That say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, &c. Who have not... read more
1:1-3:8 PUNISHMENT OF SINNERSSins of Jerusalem (1:1-18)The prophet opens with a general statement about judgment that probably comes as no surprise to the people of Jerusalem. He announces that God will destroy sin from the earth (1:1-3). What surprises the hearers is Zephaniah’s assertion that God will destroy them, for they too are sinners (4a). Anti-God practices established by Manasseh still exist, such as the worship of Baal, the worship of the stars and the worship of Milcom (Molech).... read more
candles = lamps. evil = harm. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 . read more
they shall also build, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:30 , Deuteronomy 28:39 ). Compare Amos 5:11 .Micah 6:15 ; and contrast Isaiah 65:21 .Amos 9:14 . wine. Heb yayin. App-27 . read more
"And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps; and I will punish the men that are settled on their lees, that say in their heart, Jehovah will not do good, neither will he do evil.""I will search Jerusalem with lamps ..." Here is the reason why ancient and mediaeval artists depicted Zephaniah as the man with a lamp or candle, thus missing the main point that it is not Zephaniah who will search Jerusalem, but the Lord God Almighty. This verse deals particularly... read more
"And their wealth shall become a spoil, and their houses a desolation: yea, they shall build houses, but shall not inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, but shall not drink the wine thereof."Language of this kind was often used by the prophets to described the kind of destruction that was in store for Judah. A military disaster would overwhelm them. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Zephaniah 1:12
The third class which shall be smitten, viz. the profligate and riotous. I will search Jerusalem with candles ( lights ) . No evil doer shall escape. The enemy whom God summons to execute his wrath shall leave no corner unsearched where the debauchees hide themselves (comp. Luke 15:8 ). Jerome and commentators after him refer to Josephus's account of the last siege of Jerusalem for a parallel to these predicted proceedings of the Chaldeans. Here we read how princes and priests and... read more