Bible Commentary

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Matthew Henry on Zephaniah 3:14-20

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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, believers 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.

Recommended reading

More for Zephaniah 3:14-20

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:1-20EXPOSITION.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:9-20Part III. PROMISE OF THE CONVERSION OF THE WORLD AND THE HAPPINESS OF ISRAEL. Zephaniah 3:9, Zephaniah 3:10 § 1. The heathen shall be converted, and shall help in the restoration of Israel.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryEvangelical Predictions. (b. c. 612.)EVANGELICAL PREDICTIONS. (B. C. 612.) After the promises of the taking away of sin, here follow promises of the taking away of trouble; for when the cause is removed the effect will cease. What makes a people holy will…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:14in view of the coming blessing, the prophet bursts forth in exultation, yet with a vein of prophecy running through all the canticle. After the late denunciation of woe and judgment, he soothes the faithful with the pro…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:15In this and following verses the prop. hot gives the reasons why Zion should rejoice. Thy judgments. The chastisements inflicted on thee in judgment, rendered necessary by thy iniquity (Ezekiel 5:8). These God has remov…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:16It shall be said. So obvious to all men shall be the happy and secure, position of Zion under God's favour and rule, that they shall join in bidding her east away fear and exult in the Divine protection. Fear thou not (…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:17In the midst of thee; better, is in the midst of thee (see note on Zephaniah 3:15). Is mighty; he will says; rather, a Mighty One who will save; LXX; ̓Ο δυνατὸς σώσει σε, "The Mighty One shall save thee." This is the…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Zephaniah 3:18The love which God feels he shows in action. He cares for the exiled and dispersed, and will gather them again and comfort them for all their sorrows. I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly; or, f…Joseph S. Exell and contributors