Definition: And it shall come to pass at that time, [that] I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The LORD will not do good, neither will he do evil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 1:12. It’s a pretty dramatic and hopeful message about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to be very active and focused on Jerusalem – specifically, on the people who are not actively working or striving. He's going to use a combination of intense action and judgment. Let’s unpack the parts: “And it shall come to pass at that time…” : This sets the stage for something significant happening in the future. It’s not just a random event; it’s a planned, deliberate action. “[That] I will search Jerusalem with candles…” : This is the key image. “Searching” means investigating, examining, and looking closely. The verse uses candles – think of them as symbols of light and hope that are dimmed or extinguished. This suggests God isn't just passively observing; he’s actively looking into a situation. “…and punish the men that are settled on their lees.” : This is where it gets more nuanced. “Settled on their lees” means someone who is doing nothing, complacent, and not actively working or striving for anything important. It's like someone who’s just sitting around, not making a difference. God is going to punish these people – likely through hardship and consequences – because they are refusing to engage with the good things in life. Overall Meaning - A Warning & Hope: The verse paints a picture of judgment coming to those who are inactive. However, it’s also a message of hope. God will do good and will do evil, but he chooses to focus his attention on those who aren't working towards something worthwhile. It suggests that God is actively working to bring about change and restoration, even if it means confronting those who are resisting. Think of it like this: Imagine a ship sailing in a storm. The ship isn't moving forward; it’s just drifting aimlessly. Someone might be sitting on the deck, complaining – that's like those "settled on their lees" people. God is going to actively steer the ship towards calmer waters and towards things that will lead to a better outcome. Important Note: The context of Zephaniah 1:12 is within a larger prophecy about the end times. It speaks to a time when God’s judgment will be enacted on those who reject him and refuse to follow his plan. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Discuss what Zephaniah 1:12 might mean in the context of a specific biblical story or event?