none shall make them afraid--either foreign foe, or unjust prince ([Zep 3:3]), prophet, or priest ([Zep 3:4]).
14. The prophet in mental vision sees the joyful day of Zion present, and bids her rejoice at it.
15. The cause for joy: "The Lord hath taken away thy judgments," namely, those sent by Him upon thee. After the taking away of sin ([Zep 3:13]) follows the taking away of trouble. When the cause is removed, the effect will cease. Happiness follows in the wake of holiness.
the Lord is in the midst of thee--Though He seemed to desert thee for a time, He is now present as thy safeguard ([Zep 3:17]).
not see evil any more--Thou shalt not experience it ([Jr 5:12]; ).
16. Let not thine hands be slack--([He 12:12]). Do not faint in the work of the Lord.
17. he will rest in his love--content with it as His supreme delight (compare [Lu 15:7], ) [Calvin], ([Is 62:5]; ). Or, He shall be silent, namely as to thy faults, not imputing them to thee [Maurer] ([Psa 32:2]; [Eze 33:16]). I prefer explaining it of that calm silent joy in the possession of the object of one's love, too great for words to express: just as God after the six days of creation rested with silent satisfaction in His work, for "behold it was very good" ([Ge 1:31]; 2:2). So the parallel clause by contrast expresses the joy, not kept silent as this, but uttered in "singing."
18. sorrowful for the solemn assembly--pining after the solemn assembly which they cannot celebrate in exile ([La 1:4]; 2:6).
who are of thee--that is, of thy true citizens; and whom therefore I will restore.
to whom the reproach of it was a burden--that is, to whom thy reproach ("the reproach of My people," [Mi 6:16]; their ignominious captivity) was a burden. "Of it" is put of thee, as the person is often changed. Those who shared in the burden of reproach which fell on My people. Compare [Is 25:8], "the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth."
19. undo--Maurer translates, "I will deal with," that is, as they deserve. Compare [Eze 23:25], where the Hebrew is similarly translated. The destruction of Israel's foes precedes Israel's restoration ([Is 66:15], ).
her that halteth--all that are helpless. Their weakness will be no barrier in the way of My restoring them. So in [Psa 35:15], Margin, "halting" is used for adversity. Also [Eze 34:16]; [Mi 4:6], .
I will get them praise, &c.--literally, "I will make them (to become) a praise and a name," &c.
shame--([Eze 34:29]).
20. make you a name ... praise--make you to become celebrated and praised.
turn back your captivity--bring back your captives [Maurer]. The Hebrew is plural, "captivities"; to express the captivities of different ages of their history, as well as the diversity of places in which they were and are dispersed.
before your eyes--Incredible as the event may seem, your own eyes with delight shall see it. You will scarcely believe it for joy, but the testimony of your own eyes shall convince you of the delightful reality (compare [Lu 24:41]).