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Book of Zephaniah - Chapter 1 - Verse 18

1:18
Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD'S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land.

Meaning

The verse "Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land" serves as a powerful reminder of the futility of relying on material possessions for protection or salvation. In the context of this verse, the prophet Zephaniah is warning the people of Judah about the consequences of their disobedience and idolatry. Despite their wealth and resources, their silver and gold will not be able to save them from the coming judgment of the Lord. Instead, the land will be consumed by the fiery wrath of God's jealousy, and all those who inhabit it will face a swift and decisive judgment. This verse emphasizes the importance of placing one's trust in the Lord rather than in wealth or earthly treasures, as only He has the power to deliver and redeem us in the day of His wrath.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Zephaniah warns the people of Judah that their material possessions, such as silver and gold, will be of no use to them on the day of the Lord's wrath. This emphasizes the idea that true security and salvation come from God alone, rather than from earthly riches. The phrase "fire of his jealousy" highlights God's righteous indignation towards sin and idolatry, which will ultimately lead to judgment and destruction. The imagery of a "speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land" conveys the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment upon those who have forsaken Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of placing our trust in God rather than in worldly possessions, and the consequences of turning away from Him.

American Standard Version

Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah's wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he will make an end, yea, a terrible end, of all them that dwell in the land.
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