Zephaniah 3

Jerusalem’s Rebellion and Restoration

1 Woe to the rebellious and defiled city, the city of oppression.

2 She listens to no voice, accepts no correction, does not trust in the LORD, and does not draw near to her God.

3 Her officials inside her are roaring lions, her judges are evening wolves that leave nothing for the morning.

4 Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men. Her priests profane what is holy and do violence to the law.

5 The LORD within her is righteous, He does no wrong. Morning by morning He brings His justice to light, never failing, but the unjust know no shame.

The Lord’s Judgment

6 “I have cut off nations. Their strongholds are destroyed. I left their streets deserted with nobody passing through. Their cities are laid waste, without people, without inhabitants.

7 I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me and accept correction.’ Then her dwelling would not be cut off according to all I appointed against her. But they were eager to corrupt all their deeds.

8 So wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “for the day I rise up to seize the prey. My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out My indignation on them, all My burning anger. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy.”

The Lord’s Promise to Restore

9 “Then I will purify the lips of the peoples, so all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder.

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush My worshipers, My scattered people, will bring Me offerings.

11 On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you committed against Me, because I will remove from you your proud, arrogant ones, and you will never again be haughty on My holy mountain.

12 I will leave among you a humble and lowly people, and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD.

13 The remnant of Israel will do no wrong, speak no lies, and a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down with nobody making them afraid.”

Joy and Restoration

14 Sing for joy, daughter of Zion. Shout aloud, Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem.

15 The LORD has taken away your punishment, He has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you. You will never again fear harm.

16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, Zion. Do not let your hands grow weak.

17 The LORD your God is with you, a mighty warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with joy, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

18 “I will gather those who grieve over the appointed festivals so you will no longer suffer reproach.

19 At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame and gather the scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame.

20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time I gather you. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the LORD.