In the Hebrew original, the word used for but
has various uses. Here it is used as an adversative conjunction, to express the opposite, or to contrast. The word “but” prepares us to expect the opposite of was anticipated. The Jews longed for the coming of the Lord, with the expectation that he would judge the ungodly nations and reward righteous Israel.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.