Zephaniah 3:15-17

15-17. The reason for the exultation is found in the fullness of the redemption wrought.

Hath taken away thy judgments He has made an end of the judgments which have come upon the nation again and again on account of sin (compare Isaiah 40:2). Since these have come to an end, Zion may live in peace and contentment. A change in the vocalization would change “thy judgments” into “thine adversaries,” which is favored by the presence of “thine enemy” or “enemies” (LXX.) in the parallel clause. Those who in the past have troubled the chosen people are swept away.

The king of Israel In the Messianic age north and south will be reunited (Hosea 1:11), and over the united people Jehovah will rule as king (Obadiah 1:21; Micah 4:7), with Jerusalem as his royal residence (see on Joel 2:27; compare Micah 4:7; Isaiah 2:2-4). Marti proposes the omission of “of Israel” and the change of “king” into a verb form, “has become king,” so that the entire clause would read, “Jehovah has become king in the midst of thee.”

Thou shalt not see evil any more R.V., “fear.” Evil is not moral evil, but calamity or misfortune. Some ancient authorities favor A.V., others R.V.; the difference between the two words “fear” and “see” is so slight in Hebrew that confusion might easily occur. See in the sense of experience (compare Psalms 90:15; Proverbs 27:12) is the more suitable.

So marked will be the transformation that others will observe it and encourage Jerusalem. R.V. offers a more accurate reproduction of the original: “Fear thou not; O Zion, let not thy hands be slack.”

Fear thou not Because Jehovah is near, ready to help.

Let not thine hands be slack Or, hang down inactive, which is a sign of despair and despondency (compare Isaiah 13:7; Jeremiah 6:24).

Zephaniah 3:17 states why there is no ground for despondency. 17a should be rendered with R.V., “Jehovah thy God is in the midst of thee, a mighty one who will save.” For the first part compare Zephaniah 3:15, and see reference there. A mighty one (R.V.) Who has power to render assistance in every need and to save from all difficulties.

He will rejoice over thee with joy;… joy over thee with singing Because uncleanness has been swept away and the community consists only of those who are obedient to his will (compare Isaiah 65:19; Jeremiah 32:41). Between the two clauses calling attention to the joy of Jehovah stands a rather obscure clause.

He will rest in his love Literally, he will be silent in his love. If this is the original text the meaning can only be that Jehovah’s love will be too tender and strong for expression. LXX. renders, “he will renew thee,” but this does not suit the context. One would expect a verb expressing joyful emotion, and one that would lend itself to the formation of a climax. A verb containing the same consonants as the Hebrew word translated “rest,” but in different order, occurs in Psalms 45:2 (Eng. Zephaniah 3:1) in the sense of “overflow.” This would not be inappropriate here, “he will overflow (with joy) in his love”; it would also produce a climax. Jehovah will joy inwardly, but cannot contain the joy, he will overflow with it, and finally burst into a song of rejoicing.