Verse 13
13. These indifferent and skeptical persons Jehovah will startle from their spiritual slumber when he manifests himself as judge and ruler of the world.
Therefore Their disregard of Jehovah compels him to vindicate his power and supremacy.
Their goods shall become a booty The prophet expects the judgment to take the form of a hostile invasion; the enemy will capture the city and carry off as booty the possessions of the inhabitants.
Their houses a desolation Nothing but ruins and desolation will be left behind. 13b seems to be a sort of proverbial saying announcing that the godless will not be permitted to enjoy the results of their labors (see on Amos 5:11; compare Micah 6:15). The originality of 13b has been questioned, and not without reason. It is certainly strange that the prophet should announce the judgment as imminent (Zephaniah 1:7; compare Zephaniah 1:14), and then, almost in the same breath, should give the inhabitants enough time to build houses and plant vineyards before the judgment falls.
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