Zephaniah 1:9

those that leap on the threshold Rather: leap (or, spring) over the threshold. The priests of Dagon avoided treading on the threshold of his temple because the idol had fallen upon it (1 Samuel 5:5). The connexion here, however, implies that leaping over the threshold is rather an act of violence, suggesting forcible invasion of the house, for the next clause, "that fill their master's house with violence," is a further description of those that leap over the threshold.

fill their masters" houses More probably: their master's house, reference being to the king. Zephaniah 1:8-9 seem to have a common subject, the princes and king's children, that is, the officers of the king and the members of the royal family. Probably persons belonging to the collateral branches of the royal house filled judicial and other offices in the government.

with violence and deceit Or, wrong and fraud. The words do not mean that wrong and fraud are committed inthe house of the king, but that his house is filled with the proceeds of such things, cf. Isaiah 3:14-15. What is alluded to is the perversion of justice practised by the princes and the royal family for purposes of gain. At a later time Ezek. makes a similar complaint against the princes and royal house (ch. Ezekiel 22:25-29. In Ezekiel 22:25 read princes).