GOD'S SEVERE JUDGMENT ON JUDAH FOR ITS IDOLATRY AND NEGLECT OF HIM: THE RAPID APPROACH OF THE JUDGMENT, AND THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF ESCAPE. (Zep. 1:1-18) days of Josiah--Had their idolatries been under former kings, they…
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.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. utterly consume--from a root to "sweep away," or "scrape off utterly." See Jer 8:13, Margin, and …
utterly consume--from a root to "sweep away," or "scrape off utterly." See Jer 8:13, Margin, and here.
from off the land--of Judah.
II
Versículo 3
II. Enumeration in detail of the "all things" (Zep 1:2; compare Jer 9:10; Hos 4:3).
Enumeration in detail of the "all things" (Zep 1:2; compare Jer 9:10; Hos 4:3).
the stumbling-blocks--idols which cause Judah to offend or stumble (Eze 14:3-4, Eze 14:7).
with the wicked--The idols and their worshippers shall be involved in a common destruction.
III
Versículo 4
III. stretch out mine hand--indicating some remarkable and unusual work of vengeance (Isa 5:25; Isa 9:…
stretch out mine hand--indicating some remarkable and unusual work of vengeance (Isa 5:25; Isa 9:12, Isa 9:17, Isa 9:21).
Judah--including Benjamin. These two tribes are to suffer, which thought themselves perpetually secure, because they escaped the captivity in which the ten tribes were involved.
Jerusalem--the fountainhead of the evil. God begins with His sanctuary (Eze 9:6), and those who are nigh Him (Lev 10:3).
the remnant of Baal--the remains of Baal worship, which as yet Josiah was unable utterly to eradicate in remote places. Baal was the Phœnician tutelary god. From the time of the Judges (Jdg 2:13), Israel had fallen into this idolatry; and Manasseh lately had set up this idol within Jehovah's temple itself (Kg2 21:3, Kg2 21:5, Kg2 21:7). Josiah began his reformation in the twelfth year of his reign (Ch2 34:4, Ch2 34:8), and in the eighteenth had as far as possible completed it.
Chemarims--idol priests, who had not reached the age of puberty; meaning "ministers of the gods" [SERVIUS on Æneid, 11], the same name as the Tyrian Camilli, r and l being interchangeable (compare Hos 10:5, Margin). Josiah is expressly said (Kg2 23:5, Margin) to have "put down the Chemarim." The Hebrew root means "black" (from the black garments which they wore or the marks which they branded on their foreheads); or "zealous," from their idolatrous fanaticism. The very "name," as well as themselves, shall be forgotten.
the priests--of Jehovah, of Aaronic descent, who ought to have used all their power to eradicate, but who secretly abetted, idolatry (compare Zep 3:4; Eze. 8:1-18; Eze 22:26; Eze 44:10). From the priests Zephaniah passes to the people.
IV
Versículo 5
IV. worship the host of heaven--Saba: whence, in contrast to Sabeanism, Jehovah is called Lord of Sab…
worship the host of heaven--Saba: whence, in contrast to Sabeanism, Jehovah is called Lord of Sabaoth.
upon the housetops--which were flat (Kg2 23:5-6, Kg2 23:12; Jer 19:13; Jer 32:29).
swear by the Lord--rather, "swear to JEHOVAH" (Ch2 15:14); solemnly dedicating themselves to Him (compare Isa 48:1; Hos 4:15).
and--"and yet (with strange inconsistency, Kg1 18:21; Eze 20:39; Mat 6:24) swear by Malcham," that is, "their king" [MAURER]: the same as Molech (see on Amo 5:25), and "Milcom the god of . . . Ammon" (Kg1 11:33). If Satan have half the heart, he will have all; if the Lord have but half offered to Him, He will have none.
V
Versículo 6
V. This verse describes more comprehensively those guilty of defection from Jehovah in any way (Jer …
This verse describes more comprehensively those guilty of defection from Jehovah in any way (Jer 2:13, Jer 2:17).
VI
Versículo 7
VI. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord-- (Hab 2:20). Let the earth be silent at His approach …
Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord-- (Hab 2:20). Let the earth be silent at His approach [MAURER]. Or, "Thou whosoever hast been wont to speak against God, as if He had no care about earthly affairs, cease thy murmurs and self-justifications; submit thyself to God, and repent in time" [CALVIN].
Lord . . . prepared a sacrifice--namely, a slaughter of the guilty Jews, the victims due to His justice (Isa 34:6; Jer 46:10; Eze 39:17).
bid his guests--literally, "sanctified His called ones" (compare Isa 13:3). It enhances the bitterness of the judgment that the heathen Chaldeans should be sanctified, or consecrated as it were, by God as His priests, and be called to eat the flesh of the elect people; as on feast days the priests used to feast among themselves on the remains of the sacrifices [CALVIN]. English Version takes it not of the priests, but the guests bidden, who also had to "sanctify" or purify themselves before coming to the sacrificial feast (Sa1 9:13, Sa1 9:22; Sa1 16:5). Nebuchadnezzar was bidden to come to take vengeance on guilty Jerusalem (Jer 25:9).
VII
Versículo 8
VII. the princes--who ought to have been an example of good to others, but were ringleaders in all evil.
the princes--who ought to have been an example of good to others, but were ringleaders in all evil.
the king's children--fulfilled on Zedekiah's children (Jer 39:6); and previously, on Jehoahaz and Eliakim, the sons of Josiah (Kg2 23:31, Kg2 23:36; Ch2 36:6; compare also Kg2 20:18; Kg2 21:13). Huldah the prophetess (Kg2 22:20) intimated that which Zephaniah now more expressly foretells.
all such as are clothed with strange apparel--the princes or courtiers who attired themselves in costly garments, imported from abroad; partly for the sake of luxury, and partly to ingratiate themselves with foreign great nations whose costume as well as their idolatries they imitated, [CALVIN]; whereas in costume, as in other respects, God would have them to be separate from the nations. GROTIUS refers the "strange apparel" to garments forbidden by the law, for example, men's garments worn by women, and vice versa, a heathen usage in the worship of Mars and Venus (Deu 22:5).
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. those that leap on the threshold--the servants of the princes, who, after having gotten prey (lik…
those that leap on the threshold--the servants of the princes, who, after having gotten prey (like hounds) for their masters, leap exultingly on their masters' thresholds; or, on the thresholds of the houses which they break into [CALVIN]. JEROME explains it of those who walk up the steps into the sanctuary with haughtiness. ROSENMULLER translates, "Leap over the threshold"; namely, in imitation of the Philistine custom of not treading on the threshold, which arose from the head and hands of Dragon being broken off on the threshold before the ark (Sa1 5:5). Compare Isa 2:6, "thy people . . . are soothsayers like the Philistines." CALVIN'S view agrees best with the latter clause of the verse.
fill . . . masters' houses with violence, &c.--that is, with goods obtained with violence, &c.
IX
Versículo 10
IX. fish gate-- (Ch2 33:14; Neh 3:3; Neh 12:39). Situated on the east of the lower city, north of the…
fish gate-- (Ch2 33:14; Neh 3:3; Neh 12:39). Situated on the east of the lower city, north of the sheep gate [MAURER]: near the stronghold of David in Milo, between Zion and the lower city, towards the west [JEROME]. This verse describes the state of the city when it was besieged by Nebuchadnezzar. It was through the fish gate that he entered the city. It received its name from the fish market which was near it. Through it passed those who used to bring fish from the lake of Tiberias and Jordan. It answers to what is now called the Damascus gate [HENDERSON].
the second--namely, the gate which was second in dignity [CALVIN]. Or, the second or lower part of the city. Appropriately, the fish gate, or extreme end of the lower part of the city, first resounds with the cries of the citizens as the foe approaches; then, as he advances further, that part of the city itself, namely, its inner part; lastly, when the foe is actually come and has burst in, the hills, the higher ones, especially Zion and Moriah, on which the upper city and temple were founded [MAURER]. The second, or lower city, answers to Akra, north of Zion, and separated from it by the valley of Tyropœon running down to the pool of Siloam [HENDERSON]. The Hebrew is translated "college," Kg2 22:14; so VATABLUS would translate here.
hills--not here those outside, but those within the walls: Zion, Moriah, and Ophel.
X
Versículo 11
X. Maktesh--rather, "the mortar," a name applied to the valley of Siloam from its hollow shape [JERO…
Maktesh--rather, "the mortar," a name applied to the valley of Siloam from its hollow shape [JEROME]. The valley between Zion and Mount Olivet, at the eastern extremity of Mount Moriah, where the merchants dwelt. Zac 14:21, "The Canaanite," namely, merchant [Chaldee Version]. The Tyropœon (that is, cheese-makers') valley below Mount Akra [ROSENMULLER]. Better Jerusalem itself, so called as lying in the midst of hills (Isa 22:1; Jer 21:13) and as doomed to be the scene of its people being destroyed as corn or drugs are pounded in a mortar (Pro 27:22) [MAURER]. Compare the similar image of a "pot" (Eze 24:3, Eze 24:6). The reason for the destruction is subjoined, namely, its merchant people's greediness of gain.
all the merchant people--literally, the "Canaanite people": irony: all the merchant people of Jerusalem are very Canaanites in greed for gain and in idolatries (see on Hos 12:7).
all . . . that bear silver--loading themselves with that which will prove but a burden (Hab 2:6).
XI
Versículo 12
XI. search . . . with candles--or lamps; so as to leave no dark corner in it wherein sin can escape t…
search . . . with candles--or lamps; so as to leave no dark corner in it wherein sin can escape the punishment, of which the Chaldeans are My instruments (compare Zep 1:13; Luk 15:8).
settled on their lees--"hardened" or crusted; image from the crust formed at the bottom of wines long left undisturbed (Jer 48:11). The effect of wealthy undisturbed ease ("lees") on the ungodly is hardening: they become stupidly secure (compare Psa 55:19; Amo 6:1).
Lord will not do good . . . evil--They deny that God regards human affairs, or renders good to the good; or evil to the evil, but that all things go haphazard (Psa 10:4; Mal 2:17).
XII
Versículo 13
XII. Therefore their goods shall become a booty, &c.--Fulfilling the prophecy in Deu 28:30, Deu 28:39 …
Therefore their goods shall become a booty, &c.--Fulfilling the prophecy in Deu 28:30, Deu 28:39 (compare Amo 5:11).
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. voice of . . . day of . . . Lord--that is, Jehovah ushering in that day with a roar of vengeance …
voice of . . . day of . . . Lord--that is, Jehovah ushering in that day with a roar of vengeance against the guilty (Jer 25:30; Amo 1:2). They who will not now heed (Zep 1:12) His voice by His prophets, must heed it when uttered by the avenging foe.
mighty . . . shall cry . . . bitterly--in hopeless despair; the might on which Jerusalem now prides itself, shall then fail utterly.
XIV
Versículo 15
XIV. wasteness . . . desolation--The Hebrew terms by their similarity of sounds, Shoah, Umeshoah, expr…
wasteness . . . desolation--The Hebrew terms by their similarity of sounds, Shoah, Umeshoah, express the dreary monotony of desolation (see on Nah 2:10).
XV
Versículo 16
XV. the trumpet--namely, of the besieging enemy (Amo 2:2).
the trumpet--namely, of the besieging enemy (Amo 2:2).
alarm--the war shout [MAURER].
towers--literally "angles"; for city walls used not to be built in a direct line, but with sinuous curves and angles, so that besiegers advancing might be assailed not only in front, but on both sides, caught as it were in a cul-de-sac; towers were built especially at the angles. So TACITUS describes the walls of Jerusalem [Histories, 5.11.7].
16
Versículo 17
16. like blind men--unable to see whither to turn themselves so as to find an escape from existing ev…
like blind men--unable to see whither to turn themselves so as to find an escape from existing evils.
flesh--Hebrew, "bread"; so the Arabic term for "bread" is used for "flesh" (Mat 26:26).
Neither . . . silver nor . . . gold shall . . . deliver them, &c.-- (Pro 11:4).
fire of his jealousy-- (Eze 38:19); His wrath jealous for His honor consuming the guilty like fire.
make even a speedy riddance of all--rather, a "consummation" (complete destruction: "full end," Jer 46:28; Eze 11:13) "altogether sudden" [MAURER]. "A consumption, and that a sudden one" [CALVIN].
Next: Zephaniah Chapter 2
Antiguo Testamento
Zephaniah — Capítulo 1
GOD'S SEVERE JUDGMENT ON JUDAH FOR ITS IDOLATRY AND NEGLECT OF HIM: THE RAPID APPROACH OF THE JUDGMENT, AND THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF ESCAPE. (Zep. 1:1-18) days of Josiah--Had their idolatries been under former kings, they…
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.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. utterly consume--from a root to "sweep away," or "scrape off utterly." See Jer 8:13, Margin, and …
Versículo 3
II. Enumeration in detail of the "all things" (Zep 1:2; compare Jer 9:10; Hos 4:3).
Versículo 4
III. stretch out mine hand--indicating some remarkable and unusual work of vengeance (Isa 5:25; Isa 9:…
Versículo 5
IV. worship the host of heaven--Saba: whence, in contrast to Sabeanism, Jehovah is called Lord of Sab…
Versículo 6
V. This verse describes more comprehensively those guilty of defection from Jehovah in any way (Jer …
Versículo 7
VI. Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord-- (Hab 2:20). Let the earth be silent at His approach …
Versículo 8
VII. the princes--who ought to have been an example of good to others, but were ringleaders in all evil.
Versículo 9
VIII. those that leap on the threshold--the servants of the princes, who, after having gotten prey (lik…
Versículo 10
IX. fish gate-- (Ch2 33:14; Neh 3:3; Neh 12:39). Situated on the east of the lower city, north of the…
Versículo 11
X. Maktesh--rather, "the mortar," a name applied to the valley of Siloam from its hollow shape [JERO…
Versículo 12
XI. search . . . with candles--or lamps; so as to leave no dark corner in it wherein sin can escape t…
Versículo 13
XII. Therefore their goods shall become a booty, &c.--Fulfilling the prophecy in Deu 28:30, Deu 28:39 …
Versículo 14
XIII. voice of . . . day of . . . Lord--that is, Jehovah ushering in that day with a roar of vengeance …
Versículo 15
XIV. wasteness . . . desolation--The Hebrew terms by their similarity of sounds, Shoah, Umeshoah, expr…
Versículo 16
XV. the trumpet--namely, of the besieging enemy (Amo 2:2).
Versículo 17
16. like blind men--unable to see whither to turn themselves so as to find an escape from existing ev…
Versículo 18
17. Neither . . . silver nor . . . gold shall . . . deliver them, &c.-- (Pro 11:4).