Zephaniah 3

Zephaniah 3:1

THat is ilhy] the Italian, Rebellious] Or, infected City; which is nothing but uncleanenesse: namely; to Jerusalem: Or, to her which provoketh to wrath.

Zephaniah 3:2

The voyce] namely; Gods voyce, calling her to repentance by his servants.

Zephaniah 3:3

They gnaw not] the Italian; Which have not broken a bone in the morning] that is to say; Which are even aging with hunger.

Zephaniah 3:4

Are light] the Italian, Are bold] In eigning Prophecies of their owne inventions; uttering them, and boldly maintaining them.

Zephaniah 3:5

The just Lord] that is to say; God, who hath chosen Jerusalem for the place of his residence, and manifestation in the world, cannot in justice suffer these sinnes to escape unpunished Every morning] that is to say; every day even in the morning (which seemeth to have been the ordinary time appointed for the Prophets preaching) hee doth denounce unto them his judgements to come: and represents unto them those which he hath already executed upon other Nations, to call his people to repentance: See 2 Chron. 36. 15 and 11. 7. and 2. 3.

Zephaniah 3:6

heir towers] Heb. Corners: See Zephaniah 1:16 The Hebrew word may also be taken for Princes and Lords.

Zephaniah 3:7

Howsoever] Though I brought them into great miseries by reason of their sins: yet will I save Jerusalem from finall ruine, if so be shee will be converted But they rose] They have studied nothing but evill doing: or, as fast as I called them to repentance every morning, they returned to their evill doings.

Zephaniah 3:8

Waite yee] O yee remainder of true Believers! comfort your selves still, with the hope of my vengeance upon your enemies: and of the deliverance which I shall send you in the Messias his time: for then will I gather all the nations together to serve me; as heretofore I have gathered them together to punish them.

Zephaniah 3:9

For them] He gives a reason of the former reason: for under the Messias the face of the earth shall be changed by the conversion of the Gentiles, and by their sanctification of hearts and tongues: See Isaiah 19:18 With one consent] Heb. With one shoulder; A phrase taken from oxen which are yoaked together: See Zechariah 7:11.

Zephaniah 3:10

From beyond] Even by the furthermost countries, which have least knowledge of Me, and of my Grace; will I be served and worshipped: See Isaiah 18:7. Acts 8:27 My dispersed]Mine Elect dispersed through out the world.

Zephaniah 3:11

Shalt thou not] O my Church! I will take away that ignominy from thee wherewith I had heretofore punished thee for thy sinnes; and especially for the pride which thou wert growne to, by reason of the great prerogatives which I had bestowed upon thee, of my presence and abode with thee.

Zephaniah 3:12

I will also leave] Out of the carnall and reproved Isral; and out of lost man-kind will I deliver mine Elect and Believers, which are poore and wretched in the worlds esteeme: See Isaiah 14:32. Zech. 11. 11. and 13. 9.

Zephaniah 3:13

The remnant] The true Believers chosen out of all the world, being regenerated by the Holy Ghost, shall live in purity, sincerity, and innocence; like Christs true people, fed by the Word of truth; and kept safe under his protection, and not by any devices or cunnings.

Zephaniah 3:15

Judgements] namely; Punishments and visitations The King] namely; Jesus Christ the true everlasting God shall alwayes be with hee: in the power and grace of his Spirit.

Zephaniah 3:16

Let not] Be not discouraged; strengthen thy selfe in faith, and in perseverance in all the duties of thy calling: not fearing any ha〈…〉 as may happen to thee.

Zephaniah 3:17

Rejoyce] His delight shall be in thee, in loving thee and doing thee good: Jeremiah 32:41. Ezekiel 20:40.

Zephaniah 3:18

That are] namely; The poore Jewes led into captivity; and afflicted chiefly by the cessation of Gods service: whereby, whereas God at first was honoured, by offerings and sacrifices, he was dishonoured and blasphemed by his enemies. A figure of the Elects being gathered together in the Church; and of which there is no true service of God.

Zephaniah 3:20

Bring you againe] Into your countrey, which is the figure of the Church.