This chapter begins with denouncing God's judgments against Judah and Jerusalem, Zep 1:1-3. Idolaters, and sinners of several other denominations, are then particularly threatened; and their approaching visitation enlarged on, by the enumeration of several circumstances which tend greatly to heighten its terrors, Zep 1:4-18.
1Palabra de Jehová que vino a Sofonías hijo de Cusi, hijo de Gedalías, hijo de Amarías, hijo de Ezequías, en días de Josías hijo de Amón, rey de Judá.
2Destruiré por completo todas las cosas de sobre la faz de la tierra, dice Jehová.
3Destruiré los hombres y las bestias; destruiré las aves del cielo y los peces del mar, y cortaré a los impíos; y raeré a los hombres de sobre la faz de la tierra, dice Jehová.
4Extenderé mi mano sobre Judá, y sobre todos los habitantes de Jerusalén, y exterminaré de este lugar los restos de Baal, y el nombre de los ministros idólatras con sus sacerdotes;
5y a los que sobre los terrados se postran al ejército del cielo, y a los que se postran jurando por Jehová y jurando por Milcom;
6y a los que se apartan de en pos de Jehová, y a los que no buscaron a Jehová, ni le consultaron.
7Calla en la presencia de Jehová el Señor, porque el día de Jehová está cercano; porque Jehová ha preparado sacrificio, y ha dispuesto a sus convidados.
8Y en el día del sacrificio de Jehová castigaré a los príncipes, y a los hijos del rey, y a todos los que visten vestido extranjero.
9Asimismo castigaré en aquel día a todos los que saltan la puerta, los que llenan las casas de sus señores de robo y de engaño.
10Y habrá en aquel día, dice Jehová, voz de clamor desde la puerta del Pescado, y aullido desde la segunda puerta, y gran quebrantamiento desde los collados.
11Aullad, habitantes de Mactes, porque todo el pueblo mercader es destruido; destruidos son todos los que traían dinero.
12Acontecerá en aquel tiempo que yo escudriñaré a Jerusalén con linterna, y castigaré a los hombres que reposan tranquilos como el vino asentado, los cuales dicen en su corazón: Jehová ni hará bien ni hará mal.
13Por tanto, serán saqueados sus bienes, y sus casas asoladas; edificarán casas, mas no las habitarán, y plantarán viñas, mas no beberán el vino de ellas.
14Cercano está el día grande de Jehová, cercano y muy próximo; es amarga la voz del día de Jehová; gritará allí el valiente.
15Día de ira aquel día, día de angustia y de aprieto, día de alboroto y de asolamiento, día de tiniebla y de oscuridad, día de nublado y de entenebrecimiento,
16día de trompeta y de algazara sobre las ciudades fortificadas, y sobre las altas torres.
17Y atribularé a los hombres, y andarán como ciegos, porque pecaron contra Jehová; y la sangre de ellos será derramada como polvo, y su carne como estiércol.
18Ni su plata ni su oro podrá librarlos en el día de la ira de Jehová, pues toda la tierra será consumida con el fuego de su celo; porque ciertamente destrucción apresurada hará de todos los habitantes de la tierra.
ADAM CLARKE BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 1
I. The word of the Lord which came unto Zephaniah - Though this prophet has given us so large a list…
The word of the Lord which came unto Zephaniah - Though this prophet has given us so large a list of his ancestors, yet little concerning him is known, because we know nothing certain relative to the persons of the family whose names are here introduced. We have one chronological note which is of more value for the correct understanding of his prophecy than the other could have been, how circumstantially soever it had been delivered; viz., that he prophesied in the days of Josiah, son of Amon, king of Judah; and from the description which he gives of the disorders which prevailed in Judea in his time, it is evident that he must have prophesied before the reformation made by Josiah, which was in the eighteenth year of his reign. And as he predicts the destruction of Nineveh, Zep 2:13, which, as Calmet remarks, could not have taken place before the sixteenth of Josiah, allowing with Berosus twenty-one years for the reign of Nabopolassar over the Chaldeans; we must, therefore, place this prophecy about the beginning of the reign of Josiah, or from b.c. 640 to b.c. 609. But see the chronological notes.
II
Versículo 2
II. I will utterly consume all things - All being now ripe for destruction, I will shortly bring a un…
I will utterly consume all things - All being now ripe for destruction, I will shortly bring a universal scourge upon the land. He speaks particularly of the idolaters.
III
Versículo 3
III. I will consume man and beast - By war, and by pestilence. Even the waters shall he infected, and …
I will consume man and beast - By war, and by pestilence. Even the waters shall he infected, and the fish destroyed; the air become contaminated, and the fowls die.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. I will cut off the remnant of Baal - I think he refers here, partly at least, to the reformation …
I will cut off the remnant of Baal - I think he refers here, partly at least, to the reformation which Josiah was to bring about. See the account, Kg2 23:5 (note).
The Chemarims - The black-robed priests of different idols. See the note on Kg2 23:6. These were put down by Josiah.
V
Versículo 5
V. The host of heaven - Sun, moon, planets, and stars. This worship was one of the most ancient and …
The host of heaven - Sun, moon, planets, and stars. This worship was one of the most ancient and the most common of all species of idolatry; and it had a greater semblance of reason to recommend it. See Kg2 23:6, Kg2 23:12; Jer 19:13; Jer 32:29.
That swear by the Lord, and that swear by Malcham - Associating the name of an idol with that of the Most High. For Malcham, see on Hos 4:15 (note), and Amo 5:26 (note).
VI
Versículo 6
VI. Them that are turned back - Who have forsaken the true God, and become idolaters.
Them that are turned back - Who have forsaken the true God, and become idolaters.
Nor inquired for him - Have not desired to know his will.
VII
Versículo 7
VII. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lords God - הס has, the same as hush, hist, among us. Remon…
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lords God - הס has, the same as hush, hist, among us. Remonstrances are now useless. You had time to acquaint yourselves with God; you would not: you cry now in vain; destruction is at the door.
The Lord hath prepared a sacrifice - A slaughter of the people.
He hath bid his guests - The Babylonians, to whom he has given a commission to destroy you. In all festivals sacrifices,
1. The victims were offered to God, and their blood poured out before the altar.
2. The people who were invited feasted upon the sacrifice. See on Isa 34:6 (note).
VIII
Versículo 8
VIII. I will punish the princes, and the king's children - After the death of Josiah the kingdom of Jud…
I will punish the princes, and the king's children - After the death of Josiah the kingdom of Judah saw no prosperity, and every reign terminated miserably; until at last King Zedekiah and the king's children were cruelly massacred at Riblah, when Nebuchadnezzar had taken Jerusalem.
Strange apparel - I really think this refers more to their embracing idolatrous customs and heathen usages, than to their changing their dress. They acquired new habits, as we would say; customs, that they used as they did their clothing - at all times, and in every thing.
IX
Versículo 9
IX. That leap on the threshold - Or, that leap over the threshold. It is most probable that the Phili…
That leap on the threshold - Or, that leap over the threshold. It is most probable that the Philistines are here meant. After the time that Dagon fell before the ark, and his hands were broken off on the threshold of his temple, his worshippers would no more set a foot upon the threshold, but stepped or leaped over it, when they entered into his temple. The Chaldee understands this of the Philistines, without giving this reason for it. Some understand it of haughtiness and pride: others think that leaping on the threshold refers to the customs of the Arabs, who used to ride into people's houses and take away whatever they could carry; and that this is the reason why, in several parts of the East, they have their doors made very low, to prevent those depredators from entering. In this manner, we learn the Persians have frequently oppressed the poor Armenians, going on horseback into their houses, and taking whatever they thought proper. Mr. Harmer understands it in this way.
X
Versículo 10
X. A cry from the fish-gate - This gate, which is mentioned Neh 3:3, was opposite to Joppa; and perh…
A cry from the fish-gate - This gate, which is mentioned Neh 3:3, was opposite to Joppa; and perhaps the way in which the news came of the irruption of the Chaldean army, the great crashing from the hills.
The second - Or second city, may here mean a part of Jerusalem, mentioned Kg2 22:14; Ch2 34:22.
XI
Versículo 11
XI. Maktesh - Calmet says this signifies a mortar, or a rock in form of a mortar, and was the name of…
Maktesh - Calmet says this signifies a mortar, or a rock in form of a mortar, and was the name of a quarter of Jerusalem where they hulled rice, corn, etc., according to St. Jerome. Some think the city of Jerusalem is meant, where the inhabitants should be beat and pounded to death as grain is pounded in a mortar.
Newcome translates it, the lower city, and considers it the valley in Jerusalem, which divided the upper from the lower city.
They that bear silver - The merchants, moneychangers, usurers, rich men.
XII
Versículo 12
XII. I will search Jerusalem with candles - I will make a universal and thorough search.
I will search Jerusalem with candles - I will make a universal and thorough search.
That are settled on their lees - Those who are careless, satisfied with the goods of this life; who trust in their riches, and are completely irreligious; who, while they acknowledge that there is a God, think, like the Aristotelians, that he is so supremely happy in the contemplation of his own excellences, that he feels it beneath his dignity to concern himself with the affairs of mortals.
XIII
Versículo 13
XIII. Their goods (in which they trust) shall become a booty - To the Chaldeans. They shall have no pro…
Their goods (in which they trust) shall become a booty - To the Chaldeans. They shall have no profit of all their labors. The houses they have built they shall not inhabit; of the wine of the vineyards they have planted, they shall not drink. See Amo 5:11, where we find the same evils threatened.
XIV
Versículo 14
XIV. The great day of the Lord is near - It commenced with the death of the good king Josiah, who was …
The great day of the Lord is near - It commenced with the death of the good king Josiah, who was slain by Pharaoh-necho at Megiddo, and continued to the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
XV
Versículo 15
XV. That day is a day of wrath - See Isa 22:5 (note); Jer 30:7 (note); Joe 2:2 (note), Joe 2:11 (note…
That day is a day of wrath - See Isa 22:5 (note); Jer 30:7 (note); Joe 2:2 (note), Joe 2:11 (note); Amo 5:18 (note); Zep 1:18 (note), and the notes there. From the fourteenth to the sixteenth verse inclusive there is a most beautiful amplification of the disasters that were coming on Jerusalem; the invasion, incursion, attack, carnage, confusion, horrible din occasioned by the sound of the trumpet, the cries of the people, and the shrieks and groans of the dying, are pointed out with great force and mighty effect.
16
Versículo 17
16. They shall walk like blind men - Be in the most perplexing doubt and uncertainty; and while in th…
They shall walk like blind men - Be in the most perplexing doubt and uncertainty; and while in this state, have their blood poured out by the sword of their enemies, and their flesh trodden under foot.
17
Versículo 18
17. Their silver nor their gold - In which they trusted, and from which they expected happiness; thes…
Their silver nor their gold - In which they trusted, and from which they expected happiness; these shall not profit them in this awful day. And God will bring this about speedily; and a speedy riddance - a universal desolation, shall in a short time take place in every part of the land.
Antiguo Testamento
Zephaniah — Capítulo 1
This chapter begins with denouncing God's judgments against Judah and Jerusalem, Zep 1:1-3. Idolaters, and sinners of several other denominations, are then particularly threatened; and their approaching visitation enlarged on, by the enumeration of several circumstances which tend greatly to heighten its terrors, Zep 1:4-18.
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Palabra de Jehová que vino a Sofonías hijo de Cusi, hijo de Gedalías, hijo de Amarías, hijo de Ezequías, en días de Josías hijo de Amón, rey de Judá.
2Destruiré por completo todas las cosas de sobre la faz de la tierra, dice Jehová.
3Destruiré los hombres y las bestias; destruiré las aves del cielo y los peces del mar, y cortaré a los impíos; y raeré a los hombres de sobre la faz de la tierra, dice Jehová.
4Extenderé mi mano sobre Judá, y sobre todos los habitantes de Jerusalén, y exterminaré de este lugar los restos de Baal, y el nombre de los ministros idólatras con sus sacerdotes;
5y a los que sobre los terrados se postran al ejército del cielo, y a los que se postran jurando por Jehová y jurando por Milcom;
6y a los que se apartan de en pos de Jehová, y a los que no buscaron a Jehová, ni le consultaron.
7Calla en la presencia de Jehová el Señor, porque el día de Jehová está cercano; porque Jehová ha preparado sacrificio, y ha dispuesto a sus convidados.
8Y en el día del sacrificio de Jehová castigaré a los príncipes, y a los hijos del rey, y a todos los que visten vestido extranjero.
9Asimismo castigaré en aquel día a todos los que saltan la puerta, los que llenan las casas de sus señores de robo y de engaño.
10Y habrá en aquel día, dice Jehová, voz de clamor desde la puerta del Pescado, y aullido desde la segunda puerta, y gran quebrantamiento desde los collados.
11Aullad, habitantes de Mactes, porque todo el pueblo mercader es destruido; destruidos son todos los que traían dinero.
12Acontecerá en aquel tiempo que yo escudriñaré a Jerusalén con linterna, y castigaré a los hombres que reposan tranquilos como el vino asentado, los cuales dicen en su corazón: Jehová ni hará bien ni hará mal.
13Por tanto, serán saqueados sus bienes, y sus casas asoladas; edificarán casas, mas no las habitarán, y plantarán viñas, mas no beberán el vino de ellas.
14Cercano está el día grande de Jehová, cercano y muy próximo; es amarga la voz del día de Jehová; gritará allí el valiente.
15Día de ira aquel día, día de angustia y de aprieto, día de alboroto y de asolamiento, día de tiniebla y de oscuridad, día de nublado y de entenebrecimiento,
16día de trompeta y de algazara sobre las ciudades fortificadas, y sobre las altas torres.
17Y atribularé a los hombres, y andarán como ciegos, porque pecaron contra Jehová; y la sangre de ellos será derramada como polvo, y su carne como estiércol.
18Ni su plata ni su oro podrá librarlos en el día de la ira de Jehová, pues toda la tierra será consumida con el fuego de su celo; porque ciertamente destrucción apresurada hará de todos los habitantes de la tierra.
ADAM CLARKE BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 1
I. The word of the Lord which came unto Zephaniah - Though this prophet has given us so large a list…
Versículo 2
II. I will utterly consume all things - All being now ripe for destruction, I will shortly bring a un…
Versículo 3
III. I will consume man and beast - By war, and by pestilence. Even the waters shall he infected, and …
Versículo 4
IV. I will cut off the remnant of Baal - I think he refers here, partly at least, to the reformation …
Versículo 5
V. The host of heaven - Sun, moon, planets, and stars. This worship was one of the most ancient and …
Versículo 6
VI. Them that are turned back - Who have forsaken the true God, and become idolaters.
Versículo 7
VII. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lords God - הס has, the same as hush, hist, among us. Remon…
Versículo 8
VIII. I will punish the princes, and the king's children - After the death of Josiah the kingdom of Jud…
Versículo 9
IX. That leap on the threshold - Or, that leap over the threshold. It is most probable that the Phili…
Versículo 10
X. A cry from the fish-gate - This gate, which is mentioned Neh 3:3, was opposite to Joppa; and perh…
Versículo 11
XI. Maktesh - Calmet says this signifies a mortar, or a rock in form of a mortar, and was the name of…
Versículo 12
XII. I will search Jerusalem with candles - I will make a universal and thorough search.
Versículo 13
XIII. Their goods (in which they trust) shall become a booty - To the Chaldeans. They shall have no pro…
Versículo 14
XIV. The great day of the Lord is near - It commenced with the death of the good king Josiah, who was …
Versículo 15
XV. That day is a day of wrath - See Isa 22:5 (note); Jer 30:7 (note); Joe 2:2 (note), Joe 2:11 (note…
Versículo 17
16. They shall walk like blind men - Be in the most perplexing doubt and uncertainty; and while in th…
Versículo 18
17. Their silver nor their gold - In which they trusted, and from which they expected happiness; thes…