CHAP. III. V.1—4. The prophet, having shewn the judgments of God on the enemies of the Jews, returned to his subject, and proceeded to reprove and condemn that people for their transgressions. Jerusalem was become filthy and polluted ; she wds gluttonous, Iuxurious, and infamous for all kinds of abominable wickedness, especially for oppression and violence. The inhabitants would not obey the voice of God, who spake to them by his word and his prophets: they hardened themselves in iniquity, or
- gave themselves up to rebellious murmurs and despondency
when corrected ; they trusted in their strength and allies, and not in the Lord, for protection and safety: and they drew not near to him, in his courts and ordinances, to seek his favour and assistance in their difficulties; but rather turned from him to their idols, Their princes, nobles, and judges .were ravenous as Jions; or as wolves that prow] abroad in the evening, after having been pinched with hunger all the day: and they seized all they could to lay it by for the future, as the greedy wolf makes havock of the flock, reserving the bones to be gnawed when he had no longer an opportunity of devouring the prey.—‘ They de- <vour all presently, and leave not so much as the bones “to the next day; as the most voracious creatures com- “ monly do. (Lewth.)—Their prophets were superficial de-claimers, men of light minds, without knowledge or seriousness : they deceived the people with false doctrines and predictions, and imposed upon them in their secular concerns: and the priests, like Hophni and Phinehas, polluted the temple by, their crimes, and wrested the law by their corrupt glosses, that it might not seem to condemn them. — This miay be understood of the state of Jerusalem, from the death of Josiah to the Babylonish captivity: yet the context rather leads our attention to a subsequent period.
The predictions of the former chapter relate to the return of the Jews from captivity, and to events connected with their prosperity after that deliverance ; the latter part of this chapter evidently predicts the times of the Gospel; and
CHAPTER II. | b Deut xxvii. 4» - 2 She Pobeyed not the voice; ‘she
B. C. 612..6 Ihave P cut off the nations: theire ts. = x. xi. towers are desolate; I made their streets !3- 2-28. 36.
Jer. XXV. 9—I1 le
waste, that none passeth by: their cities [—#¢,Na-#-
Jit, 1 Cor. x. 6.
are destroyed, so that there is no man,, dy; comes.
that there is none inhabitant. Ve sen site 7.1 said, -‘Surely* thou wilt fear eo" %—«. . ° . r 2 Pet. iii. 9. me, thou wilt receive instruction ; * sor er vi. 7. xvi.
their dwelling should not be cut off, xxxwiiian”-”” . . - 82 Chr. axvill. 6 howsoever I punished them: but they <8. xxi. 1, e. rose early, and ‘corrupted all their do-,3-* ings. | Dewi, 8 q| Therefore “wait ye upon me,"Sivin"y. te saith the Lorn, until the day that I trise fdas S's up to the prey: for my determination is sax. is. “tam. ’to gather the nations, that I may assem- xi.s. Mic. vi ble the kingdoms, to pour uponthem minex?s.,_. xii.” 6. indignation, even all my fierce anger: Is xii. 13,_ 14.
* for all the earth shall be devoured with 7 ®,xxvill. 14
—23. Joel ili. 9 the fire of my jealousy. _ .
— 16. Mic. iv. ll @, 3. Rev. xvi. 14, xix. 1749.; —13. Zech. xiv, zi. 18 Deut, xxxii. 21, 22, Cant. vili, 6. Ez. xxxvi. 5, 6. Xxxvili. 19.
a . the character, here given of Jerusalem, aptly suits the State | of things among the Jews, from the birth of Christ to the calamities brought upon them by the Romans.—Being filthy and polluted, they hearkened not to the voice of God, by John Baptist, by Christ, and by his apostles ; instructions and. corrections were unavailing for their reformation; they trusted in themselves, and not in their incarnate Lord, to whom they would not draw near. And the chief priests, elders, scribes, and Pharisees, were precisely such blind guides, deceivers, oppressors, and perverters of the law, as are here described. (Marg. Ref.)
V. 5—7. The special presence of the just Lord in Jerusalem, by his temple and ordinances, aggravated their guilt. He would do no iniquity ; and their crimes would neither receive countenance from his example, nor toleration from: © his justice. By the continual instructions of his word and prophets, he failed not to make known his judgments to them: yet they continued shameless in their iniquities.
This is very, applicable to the personal presence of Christ with the Jews, and his daily teaching in the temple, the syna- . gogues, and the streets: neither his holy example, nor his doctrine, could make them ashamed of their crimes.—The Lord had also given the Jews warning, as well as wrought deliverance for them, by the desolations which he had made of other nations and their strong-holds ; not only those of distant countries, but also those of Ephraim and Samaria: - expecting, (to speak after the manner of men,) that they would take the alarm, and fear him and receive instruction ; that it might not be necessary utterly to destroy Jerusalem, however they were punished with gentler visitations.
But instead of repenting, they grew more bent on wickedness, and corrupted all their doings.—Thus the Jews, in after ages, grew more and more corrupt, amidst all warnings and deliverances ; they rose early to crucify Christ. and to persecute his followers; and in this manner they filled up the
_measure of their iniquities.
V.8. * Therefore, since both the nations,. and ye, are € so unreclaimably sinful, make account. of an heavy day, |
B. C, 612,
a Ts. xix, 18. Matt.
ax 8, Malt °9 Tor then * will I turn to the people
ry € b ¢ € 3 5, tp. Gent Pure language, that they. may all xi. 1. Marys
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a iaisig Hip with oné t consent.
Zech. ii. 14. viii.
Revxvis my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. Ps. Ixviti. 31.
&c. xxvii. 12.
xxiv. 17. Rom.
$3.-1Pet.ii.6. e@Num. xvi. 3. Is. xlvii. 1,2. Jer. vii, d. 9-12. Bz, vit. 20—24.
» “i Mane, call upon the name of the Lorp, to serve evil, SJeex = 1 Froin © beyond the rivers of Ethi-o-9), av. 9 OPla My suppliants, even the daughter of Heb. should
iki. at. 11 In that day “shalt thou not be Ixxil G—-1!. Is. Z ‘xi. u. xviii. t, ashamed for all thy doings, whereia thou
13. xix, 2-28. hast transgressed against ine: for taen I
— ta-at. Mal. will take away out of the midst of thige xxiv. 17. Rim-them © that rejoice in thy pride, and thou
16. 1 Pet.i.t. 19, 20. Is. xlv.!7. liv. 4. Ixi. 7. Ixv. 19, 14. Joc! ii. 96, 27. Rom. ix.
xxiv. 21. Mic. iii. 11. Matt. iii.9. Rom. i717.
‘ wherein I will arise to execute my vengeance on you.’ (Bp. Hail.)—-* Notwithstanding these provocations, — I ‘ exhort the godly among you to expect the fulfilling of tie promises, I have made of restoring the'Jewish nation to my wonted favour, in the latter ages of the world ; in order to which crisis, I will execute remarkable judgments upon the unbclievers and disobedient.—The same general summons may be meant which Joel speaks of.’ (Joel iti. 2—12.) (Lewth.)—‘* My determination is to «¢ gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, “*€ to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce ‘* anger ; when all the land shall have been devoured with ‘¢ the fire of my jealousy.”"—When a jealous God had inflicted vengeance on his apostate worshippers, and desolated
Co So S|
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the promised land, he would proceed to pour out his indignation on all the nations and kingdoms, which rejected him and his salvation. This accords with the general scope of prophecy. (Marg. Ref.) —Thetemnant, who waited for redemption in Israel, were exhorted, amidst the wickedness that they witnessed, and the oppressions which they endured, to wait for the Lord. He was about to rise up as a lion to devour his prey: he had determined to gather the nations, that by them he might pour his fierce anger on the wicked Jews; until the whole Jand should be consumed by the fire-of his jealousy against that adulterous generation : and then he would punish those who, influenced by cor-supt motives, had been the executioners of his vengeance
on his professed worshippers.—This may be interpreted,
either of the Chaldeans and their allies, the Romans and their tributaries, or the antichristian nations which have so long supported the cause of idolatry, superstition, and persecution.
V. 9, 10. These verses predict the purifying and en- Jarging of the church, by the preaching of the gospel, about . the time when vengeance would be executed on the Jewish nation. Then ‘‘ the Lorp would turn to the people,” or peoples, (the original is plural,) ‘* a pure language?” which may signify either the pure and purifying doctrine of the gospel; or the language, which the grace of the Lord would then teach. them to use. He would bring men acquainted with the language of humility, repentance, faith, spiritual knowledge and wisdom, sincerity, purity, and Jove. He would teach them to speak of him and to him, as they ought to speak ; in order that they might all call upon, and serve, him with harmony and cordial unity of mind and mouth.
ZEPHANIAH.
Sa ee ne
e Pot Ixxxvil. 1, ¢, my ‘holy mountain. a. xh 9. Dan.
12 I will also # leave'in the midst of is Se 30. ta thee an afflicted and poor. people, ® and 1:2. & 2 they shall trust in the name of the fs. dah,” Lorp..
13 The ‘remnant of Israel shall * not ett ahee do iniquity, ' nor speak lies; neither shall Tretia; a deccitful tongue be found in their x ta. ine. mouth: for “they shall feed-and lie,+ ,_.
down; "and none shall make them afraid. 2%-#1= sl.
Ez, xxxvi. 25—7, Joel iii. 17.91. Zech. xiv. %, 21. {John ili. g, 10.v. ia, “1 Ea, baht.
8. John i.47. Col. iii.9. Rev. xiv. 5. xxi. 8. in Ps. xxtil.2. Is. ixv. to. Yer. xxiii. 4 Bz. xxxiv. 18—15. @3—2s. Mic. iv. 4. v. 4, 5. Vil. 14. Rev. vii. 1517, | n is. xvil. | liv. 14. Jer. XXX. 10." Ez. xaxix. 96. 1 Pet. lii. 14,
For he would bring from the remote repionis; beyond the |
rivers of Ethiopia, “humble suppliants to his grace, who
would be acknowledged as the children of his dispersed ©
church, and who would offer to him spiritual sacrifices with acceptance. Doubtless this predicted the conversion of the Gentiles to Christ, as well as the happy effect of the gospel on the believing Jews: and the conversion of -the Ethiopian eunuch, with the effects of his preaching in his own country, may be considered as one instance of its literal accomplishment. (Marg. ~Réef.) ‘ Lest any should ‘ think that God’s glory should have perished, when Judah was destroyed, he sheweth that he will publish his grace throughout the worlds—‘ The Jews shall come as well as the Gentiles; which is to be undetstood under the time of the gospel.’—* This is a blessing reserved for the latter ages, after the conversion of the Jews, and the coming in of the fulness of the Gentiles ;’ when there shall be ‘¢ one Lord and his name one.”’ 7 woe A
One Consent. ‘ The metaphor is taken from beasts draw- ‘ ing together under one yake ; or men setting their shoul- “ ders together to.carry the same burden.’ (Lew#b.
V. 11—13. When this new dispensation should be introduced, and this new people formed of the converted
na anrnen A A
Jews and Gentiles incorporated together, the church would —
no more be ashamed ‘for her sins. This does not mean, that believers would not be ashamed in 2 penifent manner; but that the reproach and punishment of all the former sins of the Jewish nation would rest’on the unbelievers, and not on the Christian church; and that all the sins of individuals would be repented of, atoned for, blotted ott, and buried in oblivion.. The Lord would at that time thoroughly separate from among-them the Pharisees and hypocrites, who gloried in their pride, in their relation to Abraham, their external privileges, superstitious observance of traditions, or their self-righteous attention to the letter of the ritual or moral law. For the true Israel should no more be haughty on account of mount Zion, the
temple, and the sacrifices there offered. These would -
utterly be destroyed and terminated by the Romans, and true Christians would alone glory in the cross of Christ. The church ‘would indeed be left in an afflicted and persecuted condition, and consist chiefly ef poor persons: but they would all be humble, meek, and lowly, .or poor in spirit ; and would know, that they had nothing to trust to, but the Lord, and his mercy; truth, and power. They would
«B.C 612.
shalt no more be haughty ¢ because Of : Or, te my, be.
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© Ezra iii. 11—-13. ay |
Neb. xiirag, Ps. @ Sing, O daughter of Zion: xiv 7ani.° shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice
2. cxwi. *, s. with all the heart, P O daughter of Jeru-
15 The Lorn *hath taken away thy xv. 43, 14> 18,
tos Jer, xex. 19. judgments, "he hath cast out thine ene-
1. Zech. ii. 10 my ; *the King of Israel, even the Lorp,
lf. 1x. 9, 10. 15
<7. Mat.xti.t 7¢ in the midst of thee: "thou shalt not
M4, Rev. x! see evil any more. bee. oat 16 In that day it shall *be said to
q oo. aa sa : xiv 6, xii, 2.Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and éo Zion,
i520. Zecb.i. Let not thine hands.be § slack.
“is.x. 7. 17 The Lorp thy God ’in the midst of Lii.Mic. vii. 10. thee * 7s mighty ; he will save, he * will re-
1s, xiii. x'v. Jer.
16,17. H Neo, : “ b . 7
8. 17, Zech. 4 Joice over thee with joy; he will ! rest in Is xxxiti. 22. Bz. xxxvii, 24, @3. Zech. ix. 9. John i. 49. xii. 15. xix. 19, Rev. xix. 16. t 5.17. Ez. xxxvii. 26—28. xlviii. $5. Joel iii. 20, 21, Rev. vil. 15. Xxi. $. u Is. xxv.
40. li. 22. Ix. 13. lev. 19. Ez. xxxix. 99. Joel iii. 17. Am. ix. 15. Zech. xiy. It. | x Is. XXXV. 9, 4. Xl,9. xii. 10. 13, 14. xliii. 1, 2. xliv. 2. liv. 4. Jer. xlvi. 27, 28. Hag. ile 4, 5. Zech. viii. 15. John xii. 12. Heb. xii. 19 — § Or, faint. 2 Cor. iv. 1. Gal. vi. 9. Bph. iit. i3. Heb. xii. 3-5. Rev. il. 3. y Ss. 15. a Gen. XVil. 1. xvili. 14. Ps. xxiv, 8&—10. is, ixe Ge xii. 2.6. txhil. 1%. Heb. vii. 25. . 2 Num. xiv. 8 Deut. xxx. 9. Ps. exivii. 11. exlix. 4. Is. xii. 4,5. Ixy. 19. Jer. xxxii. 41. Luke xv. 5, 6. 25, 94. $2. John xv. 1}. b Gen. i. $1. ii. 2. Is. xvilt. 4. John xiii. t. { Heb. be silent.
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therefore be a chosen remnant of genuine Israelites, in whom there would: be ne guile." Thus reformed and purified, they would be fed and protected by the good Shepherd; and, being safe under-his care, they should not be afraid of any enemies.—The pure and happy state of the
church, in the latter days, seems intended in the thirteenth |
verse. : V. 14—17. These verses, without doubt, pencipally relate to the future conversion of the Jews, and the glorious
times that shall follow. Then the church will express her exuberant joy with loud acclamations and thanksgivings.’ For the Lord will remove the judgments, temporal and
spiritual, with which ‘the Jewish nation hath very long been visited, and those persecutions and oppressions with which antichristian powers have afflicted the church; and he will cast out every enemy that opposes her. Then will he evidently appear as ** the King of Israel’’ in the midst of her, (Marg.
Ref':) and she shall see no more those evils of which she had hitherto complained.—This cannot have had its accomplishment, either in respect of the Jews, or of the christian church. -But in the day here predicted, the church will be encouraged, by the Lord and his ministers, against all her fears, aud animated to every duty.
For the Lord her Goad, her Friend and Portion, will dwell in the midst of her, with mighty power.to defend her and destroy her enemies : he will assured]y save her from all her oppressors and corrupters, and rejoice over her with great complacency and delight; he will rest in hts love, as well pleased in her, constant in his affection, and taking pleasure in expressing it; nay, he will Eee over her, as men rejoice over the objects of their endeared love, with songs denoting their delight and satisfaction.
These multiplied and energetick expressions are intended to shew the abundant light, purity, peace, comfort, and prosperity of the church, in those happy times, when believers will almost live the life of heaven upon earth.
V. 18—20. In the intervening ages, previous to the glorious times predicted, believers would often be sorrowful, because they wanted liberty or opportunity of meeting
CHAPTER IIE
his love, he will joy over thee with singing. ¢ co, xe waite. -
a A
B.C, 612.
xxxi. 8, 9. Ez. Xxxiv.1$ xxxvi.
18 I will ‘gather them that ore “sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are sais, te: of thee, fo whom * the reproach of it was ii7s' itn a burden. | m eaxerils 3-6,
19 Behold, at that time °I will undo , 6.7. Hos. ix. 5. all that afflict thee ; ‘and I will save her upon i was ree that halteth, and gather her that wase | ls. mw. Ln driven out ; Sand I will t get them praise '—éxi.u— and fame, in every land + where they have {°%%, Bye been put to shame. 35:96. Ez nae,
20 At that time will I bring you again, one vi: Seven in the time that I gather you: I Zech lg ‘for I will make you a name and a praise 3. Rey. xb. 17 among all people of the earth, when *I* Jer, mal. 6, Bz. turn back your captivity before your eyes, i; 6,7. Heb. saith the Lorp. : Xxxili, 9. Ez. xxxix. 26. t Heb. set thers for a praise. . Ah Is. xi. 11, 19. xxvii. 12, 19. Ivi. 8. Bz. xxviii, 28. xxxiv. 16 - Am. ix. 14. Suge era 15. Lei, 9. Iii. 7, 12. Mal, iiiv 22, & Pa. hii, 6. Jer, xxix. 14. Bz. xvi. 5d
_
together in the most solemn publick ordinances: (as the pious
| Jews had been:during the Babylonish captivity :) whilst theic
enemies would reproach their assemblies, as scenes of sedition or iniquity; or scoff at and deride belivers, because they were unable to meet in them: and this would greatly add to their burden. But the Lord would at length gather them together, and afford them abundance of these opportunities, and -
much comfort in them: he would ruin all their oppressors, and save every feeble believer, who was scarcely able to walk in those rugged ways, or was driven away by the force of temptation or persecution: and he would cause true christians to be greatly honoured and commended, in all those countries, where they had been stigmatized and treated with contempt. Especially the converted. Jews shat] be thus honoured among all people of the earth, when they shall be gathered from their dispersed and captive state, into the church of Christ and into their own land, in the open view of all nations. These events alone can fully answer to the language of this prophecy.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. i—7. : 7
What a lamentable proof is it of the strength of human depravity, that Jerusalem should ever become an infamous,’ polluted, and oppressive city! But when this is the case with any part of the visible church, doubtless an awful woe will soon be denounced against it; for before such an event can take place, men must generally have been long habituated to disobey the voice of the Lord, to neglect his corrections and instructions, (o withdraw their confidence from him, and to forsake, or hypocritically to attend on, his ordinances. It must also, commonly, arise from the misconduct of rulers and teachers: for when these become oppressive and iniquitous, or light and treacherous; when they pollute the sanctuary and pervert the Jaw; they soon cause the people either to run into open impiety from abhorrence of their-crimes; or into error and false re--
ligion Pp imitation of their examples, or by imbibing their aie |
-
B. C.-612.
doctrines. Yet it has too often.been the case, that Zion's professed healers have ‘proved her worst disease; and her princes, priests, and prophets, the most abandoned to impiety and vice: and neither the presence of the just Lord in his ordinances; nor his example, his word, his messages by his more faithful servants, or even his providential corrections, could put them to shame. In this case, warnings and deliverances only tend to increase men’s condemnation: for, whilst the.Lord desolates cities and nations for.their sins; he requires his professing people to fear him and receive instructions, that they may escape ruin} and yet they often grow more corrupt under warnings and corrections, and are more assiduous in doing evil than the most diligent believer is in doing good. |
V. 8—20. : —
The remnant of godly persons, who live ia evil times, may confidently wait upon the Lord, both to save them, and to terminate the success of his enemies. He will certainly arise to pour upon the wicked the fierceness _ of his anger, and ** the whole earth will be devoured by the
‘‘ fire of his jealousy ;’’ yet he will then peculiarly bless those that wait for him. When he casts off professed christians for their hypocrisy, he will send his gospel to those who have hitherto sat in darkness: and his grace will render his people sincere in their professions, anf holy in their conversation ; teaching them a pure language, honourable to God and edifying to men.
Such persons should all call upon and serve the Lord with one consent; as ‘‘ he seeketh ‘those to worship him, who worship him in spirit and *¢ truth.” For this purpose his gospel is sent into regions, divided from each other by mountains, rivers, and seas; and all, who become humble suppliants to him for salvation, through faith in Jesus Christ, are numbered amongst the genuine children of his church, and form a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices unto him, wherever they are dispersed.
They are also made: partakers of true repentance and complete forgiveness, and none of them shall be put to shame, because of their former transgressions.—But the Lord will certainly cast out of his church, all that rejoice in their pride, and are haughty because of those privileges, which they abuse and idolize.
He will “« exclude boasting,” and leave no man any thing to glory in, save the Lord Jesus, ‘‘ as made of God to him, «‘ Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption.” All, whom he saver, are made poor in spirit, and most of them are poor and afflicted in the world: but whilst they
ZEPHANIAH.
SB. C. 81, |
trust in him, they cannot but be rich, neble, wise, and happy. Their humiliation in themselves, and their obdli-gations to the Redeemer, concur in forming them upright and sincere; a people that do no iniquity, speak no lies,
_ neither is a deceitful tongue found in their mouths: tho
nothing is more common amongst many who profess, disgrace, and are proud_.of, the doctrines of the gospel ¢ as their shops, customers, and those who depend on their word, too often can testify, But the sheep of Christ are. harmless and inoffensive :. they may securely rest his
word and repose their soul under his care; and he will feed them in his plenteous pastures, and preserve them from the power and terror of every enemy. Many indeed are the troubles of the righteous, from within and without:
_ yet may they still rejoice in God, and triumph in his love,
‘“* The King of Israel in the midst of them” is the Lord ‘of hosts; and he will soon take. away their judgments, and save them so effectually that they shall see evil no more for
~ever. Let us then encourage each other, and ourselves,
against dejection, that our hands may not be slack, when we should work, or resist our enemies. The love of ‘our mighty Redeemer is as large as his power: he rejoites to save the returning prodigal, to comfort the weeping penitent, to relieve the trembling suppliant, or to restore the
- wandering sheep: he delights in the objects, of his choice, ' the puncte of his blood, the trophies of his victories, the . _ wor
of his new creating grace. He rests well pleased in his love of his redeemed church: and exults with joy over every poor sinner, whom he hath taught to trust in his mercy, to love his name, to obey his commands, and to copy his example. Surely then our hearts should rejoice in him, when we hear such words of infinite condescension and grace! We should express our joy by singing and: speaking his praises; and we should rest in his love, and
- seek no other Refuge, Portion, or Felicity. We may now
indeed be sorrowful, because detained from his .solefin ordinances, whether by sickness, persecution, of provis
- dential hindrances: but we should be.glad that this 1s our
cross and grief; and we may rejoice at being féproached, for loving the house and word of our God. In due time wé shall be gathered into the temple above, from all dur’ dis-re notwithstanding our weakness and haltings in the
ord’s ways: and then he will turn our mourning inte joy, and our reproach into honour, before the whole world, At length the last enemy shall be destroyed, and our wa
tivity to Satan, sin, and death, shall be flfally abolished ;
and our glory and felicity will be perfect, unchangeable, and eternal. |
THE