Zephaniah 3

Zephaniah 3

1Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted , the oppressing city !

2She didn’t obey the voice . She didn’t receive correction . She didn’t trust in the LORD . She didn’t draw near to her God .

3Her princes within her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves . They leave nothing until the next day .

4Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people . Her priests have profaned the sanctuary . They have done violence to the law .

5The LORD , within her , is righteous . He will do no wrong . Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail , but the unjust know no shame .

6I have cut off nations . Their battlements are desolate . I have made their streets waste , so that no one passes by . Their cities are destroyed , so that there is no man , so that there is no inhabitant .

7I said, “Just fear me . Receive correction ,” so that her dwelling won’t be cut off , according to all that I have appointed concerning her . But they rose early and corrupted all their doings .

8“Therefore wait for me ”, says the LORD , “until the day that I rise up to the prey , for my determination is to gather the nations , that I may assemble the kingdoms to pour on them my indignation , even all my fierce anger , for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy .

9For then I will purify the lips of the peoples , that they may all call on the LORD ’s name , to serve him shoulder to shoulder .

10From beyond the rivers of Cush , my worshippers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering .

11In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings in which you have transgressed against me ; for then I will take away out from amongst you your proudly exulting ones , and you will no more be arrogant in my holy mountain .

12But I will leave amongst you an afflicted and poor people , and they will take refuge in the LORD ’s name .

13The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity nor speak lies , neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth , for they will feed and lie down , and no one will make them afraid .”

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

15The LORD has taken away your judgements. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel , the LORD , is amongst you . You will not be afraid of evil any more .

16In that day , it will be said to Jerusalem , “Don’t be afraid , Zion . Don’t let your hands be weak .”

17The LORD , your God , is amongst you , a mighty one who will save . He will rejoice over you with joy . He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing .

18I will remove those who grieve about the appointed feasts from you . They are a burden and a reproach to you .

19Behold , at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you ; and I will save those who are lame and gather those who were driven away . I will give them praise and honour, whose shame has been in all the earth.[#3:19 “Behold”, from “”, means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.]

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

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