Zephaniah 3

1Woe to the rebellious and defiled, the city of oppression! 2She has not listened to the voice that called her; she has not accepted correction. She has not trusted in the LORD; she has not drawn near to her God. 3Her officials in her midst are roaring lions; her judges are wolves at evening that leave nothing for the morning. 4Her prophets are arrogant, treacherous men; her priests profane what is holy and do violence to the instruction. 5The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning after morning he brings his justice to light and never fails; yet the unjust know no shame. 6I have cut off nations; their towers lie in ruins. I have left their streets deserted, with no one walking through them. Their cities are laid waste; no one is left, no one lives there. 7I said, “Surely now you will fear me and accept correction.” Then her dwelling would not be cut off for all the punishment I had decided for her. But they were all the more eager to make all their deeds corrupt. 8So wait for me, declares the LORD, for the day when I rise up to seize the plunder. For I have decided to gather the nations and assemble the kingdoms, to pour out on them my fury, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealous anger the whole earth will be consumed. 9Then I will purify the speech of the peoples, so that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. 10From beyond the rivers of Cush those who pray to me, my scattered people, will bring me offerings. 11On that day you will not be put to shame for all the deeds by which you rebelled against me, for then I will take away from among you those who proudly exult, and never again will you be haughty on my holy mountain. 12I will leave within you a people humble and lowly, who will take refuge in the name of the LORD. 13The remnant of Israel will do no wrong and tell no lies; no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouths. They will graze and lie down, with no one to make them afraid.

14Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout aloud, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! 15The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is with you; you will never again fear disaster. 16On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not be afraid; Zion, do not let your hands hang limp.” 17The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty warrior who saves; he will delight in you with gladness and be quiet in his love; he will rejoice over you with singing. 18I will gather those who grieve because they are kept from the appointed feasts; they are your own, and the disgrace has been a burden on them. 19At that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will rescue the lame and gather the scattered; I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were disgraced. 20At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you. I will make you honored and praised among all the peoples of the earth as I restore your fortunes before your very eyes, says the LORD.