Zephaniah 1:18

The idea of the verse is illustrated in Proverbs 11:4, "Riches profit not in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivereth from death," cf. Ezekiel 7:19. The instruments also whom Jehovah employs to execute His judgments are sometimes animated by a loftiness of purpose and mind that despises mere earthly treasures: "Behold, I stir up the Medes against them, which regard not silver, and as for gold they delight not in it" (Isaiah 13:17).

the whole land Rather, the whole earth; ch. Zephaniah 3:8.

devoured by the fire of his jealousy "Jealousy" means heat, and may refer to any violent emotion, as military ardour (Isaiah 42:13); usually it means the strong reaction or self-assertion of the mind against an injury. If the term have this special sense here it is explained by the words "they have sinned against Jehovah" (Zephaniah 1:17). The figure of jealousy here is that of a fire devouring the whole earth. The words are repeated Zephaniah 3:8.

make even a speedy riddance lit. for an end, surely a terrible(or, sudden) destruction will he make(of) all the inhabiters of the earth. Cf. Nahum 1:8. The chapter ends with announcing anew the universal destruction threatened in Zephaniah 1:2.