Zephaniah 3
1Woe to the rebellious city! The violent city is defiled. 1
2She has not listened to the voice of God, nor accepted correction from Yahweh. 1 She does not trust in Yahweh and will not approach her God. 1
3Her princes are roaring lions in her midst. 1 Her judges are evening wolves who leave nothing to be gnawed upon in the morning. 1
4Her prophets are insolent and treasonous men. 1 Her priests have profaned what is holy and have done violence to the law. 1
5Yahweh is righteous in her midst. He can do no wrong. 1 Morning by morning he will dispense his justice! It will not be hidden in the light, yet unrighteous people know no shame. 1
6“I have destroyed nations; their fortresses are ruined. 1 I have made their streets ruins, so that no one passes over them. 1 Their cities are destroyed so that there is no man inhabiting them. 1
7I said, 'Surely you will fear me. Accept correction 1 and do not be cut off from your homes by all that I have planned to do to you.' 1 But they were eager to begin each morning by corrupting all their deeds. 1
8Therefore wait for me—this is Yahweh's declaration—until the day that I rise up to seize the prey. 1 For my decision is to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms, 1 to pour out on them my anger—all of my burning wrath; 1 for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth will be consumed. + 3:8 The Hebrew text as until the day that I rise up to seize the prey . However, some ancient and modern versions have until the day that I rise up as a witness . 1
9But then I will purify the lips of the peoples, 1 that all of them may call upon the name of Yahweh to serve him shoulder to shoulder. 1
10From beyond the river of Cush my worshipers—my scattered people—will bring offerings due me. 1
11In that day you will not be put to shame for all your deeds that you committed against me, 1 since at that time I will remove from among you those who celebrated your pride, 1 and because you will no longer act arrogantly on my holy mountain. 1
12But I will leave among you a lowly and poor people, 1 and they will find refuge in the name of Yahweh. 1
13The remnant of Israel will no longer commit injustice or speak lies, 1 and no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouth; 1 so they will graze and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.” 1
14Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel. 1 Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. 1
15Yahweh has taken away your punishment; he has driven out your enemies! 1 Yahweh is the king of Israel among you. You will never again fear evil! 1
16In that day they will say to Jerusalem, 1 “Do not fear, Zion. Do not let your hands falter. 1
17Yahweh your God is among you, a mighty one to save you. 1 He will celebrate over you with joy; he will be silent over you in his love; 1 he will be glad over you with a shout for joy. 1
18I will gather those who grieve, those who cannot attend the appointed feasts, 1 so you will no longer bear any shame for it. + 3:18 This verse is very difficult to understand, and modern versions translate it in many different ways. 1
19Behold, I am about to deal with all your oppressors. 1 At that time, I will rescue the lame and gather up the outcast. 1 I will make them as praise, and I will change their shame into renown in all the earth. 1
20At that time I will lead you; at that time I will gather you together. 1 I will make all the nations of the earth respect and praise you, when you see that I restored you,” 1 says Yahweh.