Zephaniah 3:9-10

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Zephaniah 3:8-13

Things looked very bad with Jerusalem in the Zeph. 3:1-7; she has got into a very bad name, and seems to be incorrigible, incurable, mercy-proof and judgment-proof. Now one would think it should follow, Therefore expect no other but that she should be utterly abandoned and rejected as reprobate silver; since they will not be wrought upon by prophets or providences, let them be made a desolation as their neighbours have been. But behold and wonder at the riches of divine grace, which takes... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zephaniah 3:9

For then will I turn to the people a pure language ,.... That is, at or about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans; when the Jews, both in their own land, and in the Gentile world, would have the Gospel first preached to them, but would reject it; upon which the apostles and first ministers of the word would turn to the Gentiles, as the Lord commanded them; when he would turn or change his speech and language towards them, and their speech and language towards him would be... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zephaniah 3:10

From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia ,.... Either the African Ethiopia, or Arabia Chusea, which lay between Judea and Egypt: here some particular places and people are mentioned, in whom the preceding prophecy would be fulfilled. If these rivers of Ethiopia are such as ran in the midst of the country, and so point at some parts of it, though on the other side of them, then this prophecy might have its accomplishment, at least when the Evangelist Matthew went thither, and preached the Gospel,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zephaniah 3:9

Will I turn to the people - This promise must refer to the conversion of the Jews under the Gospel. That they may all call - That the whole nation may invoke God by Christ, and serve him with one consent; not one unbeliever being found among them. The pure language, ברורה שפה saphah berurah , may here mean the form of religious worship. They had been before idolaters: now God promises to restore his pure worship among them. The word has certainly this meaning in Psalm 81:6 ;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zephaniah 3:10

From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia - This may denote both Africa and the southern Arabia. Bochart thinks that Arabia Chusaer is meant; and that the rivers are Besor, which flows into the Mediterranean; Rhinocorura, which flows into the Lake Sirbonis; Trajanus Amnis, which flows into the Red Sea; and the river Corys. Calmet thinks that these rivers mean the Nile, which by seven mouths falls into the Mediterranean. The Nile comes from Ethiopia, properly so called; and runs through all Egypt,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zephaniah 3:9

Verse 9 The Prophet now mitigates the asperity of his doctrine, which might have greatly terrified the godly; nay, it might have wholly disheartened them, had no consolation been applied. God then moderates here what he had previously threatened; for if the Prophet had only said this—My purpose is to gather all the nations, and thus the whole earth shall be devoured by the fire of indignation, what could the faithful have concluded but that they were to perish with the rest of the world? It was... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zephaniah 3:10

Verse 10 Interpreters agree not as to the meaning of this verse; for some of the Hebrews connect this with the former, as though the Prophet was still speaking of the calling of the Gentiles. But others, with whom I agree, apply this to the dispersed Jews, so that the Prophet here gives hope of that restoration, of which he had before spoken. They who understand this of the Gentiles, think that Atharai and Phorisai are proper names. But in the first place, we cannot find that any nations were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zephaniah 3:9

Will I turn to the people ( peoples ) a pure language ( lip ) . When his judgments have done their work, God will bring the heathen to the knowledge of him. He will purify their lips, which have been polluted with the names of idols and the worship offered to false gods ( Psalms 16:4 ; Hosea 2:17 ); the confusion of Babel shall be done away, and all shall speak the language of faith in one God. This, of course, points to Messianic times. For "pure lip," the Vulgate has, labium... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zephaniah 3:9-10

§ 1. The heathen shall be converted, and shall help in the restoration of Israel. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zephaniah 3:9-20

Part III . PROMISE OF THE CONVERSION OF THE WORLD AND THE HAPPINESS OF ISRAEL . read more

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