Zephaniah 1:3 - Exposition.

Man and beast , etc This is not mere hyperbole to express the utter wasting and destruction that were impending, but points to the mysterious connection between man and the lower creation, how in agreement with the primal curse even material nature suffers for man's sin ( Genesis 3:17 ; Romans 8:22 ). If we expect a new heaven and a new earth, we know that God will show his wrath against the old creation defiled with sin ( 2 Peter 3:10 ; camp. Jeremiah 4:25 ; Jeremiah 9:9 , etc.; Hosea 4:3 ). And the stumbling blocks with the wicked. Not the sinners only shall be swept away by this judgment, but also all offences, all causes of stumbling, whether idols or other incentives to departure from truth and right. Septuagint, καὶ ἀσθενήσουσιν οἱ ἀσεβεῖς . "and the ungodly shall be weak;" Vulgate, et ruinae impiorum erunt. These versions seem to have missed the point. I will cut off man. It is on man's account that this judgment is sent — a truth which the prophet enforces by reiteration.