Homilist Zephaniah 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth… The "remnant" is those who are left after the sifting out. God is ever sifting out, and the unworthy fall through the meshes of the mighty sieve. They are swept up and east out, but the worthy remain. He sifted Israel. The Captivity tested them. He sifted the infant Church. Persecution proved its members. The text refers to the blessed privilege of those who shall endure. I. THEIR NUMBER. Only a "remnant" It was but a remnant of those people who left Egypt that entered Canaan — only two men. It was only a remnant returned from the Captivity. It is only a remnant of those who hear the Gospel who are saved. Still, there is a remnant. There are always some who fear God. God never leaves Himself without witness of some sort. II. THEIR CHARACTER. 1. They are holy — "Shall do no iniquity." But there must be great changes in our natures and circumstances before this promise is fulfilled. 2. They shall be faithful — "Not speak lies." This is one branch of holiness, but it is a very important one, and is mentioned particularly in order to show us the thoroughness of their piety. III. THEIR PRIVILEGES. There are three here specified. 1. Provision — "They shall feed." That is, have spiritual food. There is such a thing as spiritual starvation. 2. Rest — "They shall lie down." There shall be no care, no anxiety, no toil. 3. Protection — None shall make them afraid." It is a blessed thing to endure the Lord's sifting. Those who do so shall live for ever. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. |
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