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Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Zephaniah | subtopics = The Prophet Zephaniah | opinion_pieces = {{short_opini..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Zephaniah |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Book of Zephaniah|Zephaniah]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Zephaniah|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Zephaniah]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Zephaniah]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Zephaniah 1|1]]
[[Zephaniah 2|2]]
[[Zephaniah 3|3]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Zephaniah 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Zephaniah 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Zephaniah 3|3]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Zephaniah]]'''
Zephaniah excites to repentance, foretells the destruction of the enemies of the [[Jews]], and comforts the pious among them with promises of future blessings, the restoration of their nation, and the prosperity of the [[church]] in the latter days.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
Threatenings against sinners.
(1-6)
More threatenings.
(7-13)
Distress from the approaching judgments.
(14-18)
'''Verses''' 1-6
Ruin is coming, utter ruin; destruction from the Almighty. The servants of [[God]] all proclaim, There is no [[peace]] for the wicked. The expressions are figurative, speaking every where desolation; the land shall be left without inhabitants. The sinners to be consumed are, the professed idolaters, and those that [[worship]] [[Jehovah]] and [[idols]], or swear to the [[Lord]], and to Malcham. Those that think to divide their affections and [[worship]] between [[God]] and [[idols]], will come short of acceptance with [[God]]; for what communion can there be between light and darkness? If [[Satan]] have half, he will have all; if the [[Lord]] have but half, he will have none. Neglect of [[God]] shows impiety and contempt. May none of us be among those who draw back unto perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
'''Verses''' 7-13
[[God]]'s day is at hand; the punishment of presumptuous sinners is a sacrifice to the justice of [[God]]. The Jewish royal family shall be reckoned with for their pride and vanity; and those that leap on the threshold, invading their neighbours' rights, and seizing their possessions. The trading people and the rich merchants are called to account. Secure and careless people are reckoned with. They are secure and easy; they say in their heart, the [[Lord]] will not do good, neither will he do evil; that is, they deny his dispensing rewards and punishments. But in the day of the [[Lord]]'s judgment, it will clearly appear that those who perish, fall a sacrifice to [[Divine]] justice for breaking [[God]]'s law, and because they have no interest by [[faith]] in the [[Redeemer]]'s atoning sacrifice.
'''Verses''' 14-18
This warning of approaching destruction, is enough to make the sinners in [[Zion]] tremble; it refers to the great day of the [[Lord]], the day in which he will show himself by taking vengeance on them. This day of the [[Lord]] is very near; it is a day of [[God]]'s wrath, wrath to the utmost. It will be a day of trouble and distress to sinners. Let them not be laid asleep by the patience of [[God]]. What is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? And what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Let us flee from the wrath to come, and choose the good part that shall never be taken from us; then we shall be prepared for every event; nothing shall separate us from the [[love]] of [[God]] in [[Jesus Christ|Christ Jesus]] our [[Lord]].
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
An exhortation to repentance.
(1-3)
Judgments upon other nations.
(4-15)
'''Verses''' 1-3
The prophet calls to national repentance, as the only way to prevent national ruin. A nation not desiring, that has not desires toward [[God]], is not desirous of his favour and grace, has no mind to repent and reform. Or, not desirable, not having any thing to recommend them to [[God]]; to whom [[God]] might justly say, Depart from me; but he says, Gather together to me that you may seek my face. We know what [[God]]'s decree will bring against impenitent sinners, therefore it highly concerns all to repent in the accepted time. How careful should we all be to seek [[peace]] with [[God]], before the [[Holy Spirit]] withdraws from us, or ceases to strive with us; before the day of [[grace]] is over, or the day of life; before our everlasting state is determined! Let the poor, despised, and afflicted, seek the [[Lord]], and seek to understand and keep his [[commandments]] better, that they may be more humbled for their sins. The chief [[hope]] of deliverance from national judgments rests upon [[prayer]].
'''Verses''' 4-15
Those are really in a woful condition who have the word of the [[Lord]] against them, for no word of his shall fall to the ground. [[God]] will restore his people to their rights, though long kept from them. It has been the common lot of [[God]]'s people, in all ages, to be reproached and reviled. [[God]] shall be worshipped, not only by all [[Israel]], and the strangers who join them, but by the heathen. Remote nations must be reckoned with for the wrongs done to [[God]]'s people. The sufferings of the insolent and haughty in prosperity, are unpitied and unlamented. But all the desolations of flourishing nations will make way for the overturning [[Satan]]'s kingdom. Let us improve our advantages, and expect the performance of every promise, praying that our Father's name may be hallowed every where, over all the earth.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
Further reproofs for sin.
(1-7)
Encouragement to look for [[mercy]].
(8-13)
Promises of future favour and prosperity.
(14-20)
'''Verses''' 1-7
The holy [[God]] hates [[sin]] most in those nearest to him. A sinful state is, and will be, a woful state. Yet they had the tokens of [[God]]'s presence, and all the advantages of knowing his will, with the strongest reasons to do it; still they persisted in disobedience. Alas, that men often are more active in doing wickedness than [[believer]]s are in doing good.
'''Verses''' 8-13
The preaching of the [[gospel]] is predicted, when vengeance would be executed on the Jewish nation. The purifying doctrines of the [[gospel]], or the pure language of the [[grace]] of the [[Lord]], would teach men to use the language of humility, repentance, and faith. Purity and piety in common conversation is good. The pure and happy state of the [[church]] in the latter days seems intended. The [[Lord]] will shut out boasting, and leave men nothing to [[glory]] in, save the [[Lord]] [[Jesus]], as made of [[God]] to them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Humiliation for [[sin]], and obligations to the [[Redeemer]], will make true [[believer]]s upright and sincere, whatever may be the case among mere professors.
'''Verses''' 14-20
After the promises of taking away [[sin]], follow promises of taking away trouble. When the cause is removed, the effect will cease. What makes a people holy, will make them happy. The precious promises made to the purified people, were to have full accomplishment in the [[gospel]]. These Verses appear chiefly to relate to the future conversion and restoration of [[Israel]], and the glorious times which are to follow. They show the abundant [[peace]], comfort, and prosperity of the [[church]], in the happy times yet to come. He will save; he will be [[Jesus]]; he will answer the name, for he will save his people from their sins. Before the glorious times foretold, [[believer]]s would be sorrowful, and objects of reproach. But the [[Lord]] will save the weakest [[believer]], and cause true [[Christians]] to be greatly honoured where they had been treated with contempt. One act of [[mercy]] and [[grace]] shall serve, both to gather [[Israel]] out of their dispersions and to lead them to their own land. Then will [[God]]'s [[Israel]] be made a name and a praise to eternity. The events alone can fully answer the language of this prophecy. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but they may [[rejoice]] in [[God]]'s love. Surely our hearts should honour the [[Lord]], and [[rejoice]] in him, when we hear such words of condescension and grace. If now kept from his ordinances, it is our trial and grief; but in due time we shall be gathered into his temple above. The [[glory]] and happiness of the [[believer]] will be perfect, unchangeable, and eternal, when he is freed from earthly sorrows, and brought to heavenly bliss.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Zephaniah]]
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : Zephaniah |
subtopics = The Prophet [[Book of Zephaniah|Zephaniah]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:Zephaniah|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on Zephaniah]] |
}}
Read the [[Book of Zephaniah]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]
{{chapters}}
[[Zephaniah 1|1]]
[[Zephaniah 2|2]]
[[Zephaniah 3|3]]
==Commentary==
[[Text:MHC Concise Zephaniah 1|1]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Zephaniah 2|2]]
[[Text:MHC Concise Zephaniah 3|3]]
{{mhc import}}
'''Commentary on the [[Book of Zephaniah]]'''
Zephaniah excites to repentance, foretells the destruction of the enemies of the [[Jews]], and comforts the pious among them with promises of future blessings, the restoration of their nation, and the prosperity of the [[church]] in the latter days.
----
'''Chapter''' 1
''Chapter Outline''
Threatenings against sinners.
(1-6)
More threatenings.
(7-13)
Distress from the approaching judgments.
(14-18)
'''Verses''' 1-6
Ruin is coming, utter ruin; destruction from the Almighty. The servants of [[God]] all proclaim, There is no [[peace]] for the wicked. The expressions are figurative, speaking every where desolation; the land shall be left without inhabitants. The sinners to be consumed are, the professed idolaters, and those that [[worship]] [[Jehovah]] and [[idols]], or swear to the [[Lord]], and to Malcham. Those that think to divide their affections and [[worship]] between [[God]] and [[idols]], will come short of acceptance with [[God]]; for what communion can there be between light and darkness? If [[Satan]] have half, he will have all; if the [[Lord]] have but half, he will have none. Neglect of [[God]] shows impiety and contempt. May none of us be among those who draw back unto perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
'''Verses''' 7-13
[[God]]'s day is at hand; the punishment of presumptuous sinners is a sacrifice to the justice of [[God]]. The Jewish royal family shall be reckoned with for their pride and vanity; and those that leap on the threshold, invading their neighbours' rights, and seizing their possessions. The trading people and the rich merchants are called to account. Secure and careless people are reckoned with. They are secure and easy; they say in their heart, the [[Lord]] will not do good, neither will he do evil; that is, they deny his dispensing rewards and punishments. But in the day of the [[Lord]]'s judgment, it will clearly appear that those who perish, fall a sacrifice to [[Divine]] justice for breaking [[God]]'s law, and because they have no interest by [[faith]] in the [[Redeemer]]'s atoning sacrifice.
'''Verses''' 14-18
This warning of approaching destruction, is enough to make the sinners in [[Zion]] tremble; it refers to the great day of the [[Lord]], the day in which he will show himself by taking vengeance on them. This day of the [[Lord]] is very near; it is a day of [[God]]'s wrath, wrath to the utmost. It will be a day of trouble and distress to sinners. Let them not be laid asleep by the patience of [[God]]. What is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? And what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Let us flee from the wrath to come, and choose the good part that shall never be taken from us; then we shall be prepared for every event; nothing shall separate us from the [[love]] of [[God]] in [[Jesus Christ|Christ Jesus]] our [[Lord]].
----
'''Chapter''' 2
''Chapter Outline''
An exhortation to repentance.
(1-3)
Judgments upon other nations.
(4-15)
'''Verses''' 1-3
The prophet calls to national repentance, as the only way to prevent national ruin. A nation not desiring, that has not desires toward [[God]], is not desirous of his favour and grace, has no mind to repent and reform. Or, not desirable, not having any thing to recommend them to [[God]]; to whom [[God]] might justly say, Depart from me; but he says, Gather together to me that you may seek my face. We know what [[God]]'s decree will bring against impenitent sinners, therefore it highly concerns all to repent in the accepted time. How careful should we all be to seek [[peace]] with [[God]], before the [[Holy Spirit]] withdraws from us, or ceases to strive with us; before the day of [[grace]] is over, or the day of life; before our everlasting state is determined! Let the poor, despised, and afflicted, seek the [[Lord]], and seek to understand and keep his [[commandments]] better, that they may be more humbled for their sins. The chief [[hope]] of deliverance from national judgments rests upon [[prayer]].
'''Verses''' 4-15
Those are really in a woful condition who have the word of the [[Lord]] against them, for no word of his shall fall to the ground. [[God]] will restore his people to their rights, though long kept from them. It has been the common lot of [[God]]'s people, in all ages, to be reproached and reviled. [[God]] shall be worshipped, not only by all [[Israel]], and the strangers who join them, but by the heathen. Remote nations must be reckoned with for the wrongs done to [[God]]'s people. The sufferings of the insolent and haughty in prosperity, are unpitied and unlamented. But all the desolations of flourishing nations will make way for the overturning [[Satan]]'s kingdom. Let us improve our advantages, and expect the performance of every promise, praying that our Father's name may be hallowed every where, over all the earth.
----
'''Chapter''' 3
''Chapter Outline''
Further reproofs for sin.
(1-7)
Encouragement to look for [[mercy]].
(8-13)
Promises of future favour and prosperity.
(14-20)
'''Verses''' 1-7
The holy [[God]] hates [[sin]] most in those nearest to him. A sinful state is, and will be, a woful state. Yet they had the tokens of [[God]]'s presence, and all the advantages of knowing his will, with the strongest reasons to do it; still they persisted in disobedience. Alas, that men often are more active in doing wickedness than [[believer]]s are in doing good.
'''Verses''' 8-13
The preaching of the [[gospel]] is predicted, when vengeance would be executed on the Jewish nation. The purifying doctrines of the [[gospel]], or the pure language of the [[grace]] of the [[Lord]], would teach men to use the language of humility, repentance, and faith. Purity and piety in common conversation is good. The pure and happy state of the [[church]] in the latter days seems intended. The [[Lord]] will shut out boasting, and leave men nothing to [[glory]] in, save the [[Lord]] [[Jesus]], as made of [[God]] to them wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Humiliation for [[sin]], and obligations to the [[Redeemer]], will make true [[believer]]s upright and sincere, whatever may be the case among mere professors.
'''Verses''' 14-20
After the promises of taking away [[sin]], follow promises of taking away trouble. When the cause is removed, the effect will cease. What makes a people holy, will make them happy. The precious promises made to the purified people, were to have full accomplishment in the [[gospel]]. These Verses appear chiefly to relate to the future conversion and restoration of [[Israel]], and the glorious times which are to follow. They show the abundant [[peace]], comfort, and prosperity of the [[church]], in the happy times yet to come. He will save; he will be [[Jesus]]; he will answer the name, for he will save his people from their sins. Before the glorious times foretold, [[believer]]s would be sorrowful, and objects of reproach. But the [[Lord]] will save the weakest [[believer]], and cause true [[Christians]] to be greatly honoured where they had been treated with contempt. One act of [[mercy]] and [[grace]] shall serve, both to gather [[Israel]] out of their dispersions and to lead them to their own land. Then will [[God]]'s [[Israel]] be made a name and a praise to eternity. The events alone can fully answer the language of this prophecy. Many are the troubles of the righteous, but they may [[rejoice]] in [[God]]'s love. Surely our hearts should honour the [[Lord]], and [[rejoice]] in him, when we hear such words of condescension and grace. If now kept from his ordinances, it is our trial and grief; but in due time we shall be gathered into his temple above. The [[glory]] and happiness of the [[believer]] will be perfect, unchangeable, and eternal, when he is freed from earthly sorrows, and brought to heavenly bliss.
{{mhc bottom}}
[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Book of Zephaniah]]