Zephaniah 3 CSB

1. Woe to the city that is rebellious and defiled, the oppressive city!

2. She has not obeyed; she has not accepted discipline. She has not trusted in the Lord; she has not drawn near to her God.

3. The princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves of the night, which leave nothing for the morning.

4. Her prophets are reckless  — treacherous men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to instruction.

5. The righteous Lord is in her; he does no wrong. He applies his justice morning by morning; he does not fail at dawn, yet the one who does wrong knows no shame.

6. I have cut off nations; their corner towers are destroyed. I have laid waste their streets, with no one to pass through. Their cities lie devastated, without a person, without an inhabitant.

7. I said: You will certainly fear me and accept correction. Then her dwelling place would not be cut off based on all that I had allocated to her. However, they became more corrupt in all their actions.

8. Therefore, wait for me  — this is the Lord’s declaration — until the day I rise up for plunder. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out my indignation on them, all my burning anger; for the whole earth will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.

9. For I will then restore pure speech to the peoples so that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with a single purpose.

10. From beyond the rivers of Cush my supplicants, my dispersed people, will bring an offering to me.

11. On that day you will not be put to shame because of everything you have done in rebelling against me. For then I will remove from among you your jubilant, arrogant people, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain.

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

13. The remnant of Israel will no longer do wrong or tell lies; a deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will pasture and lie down, with nothing to make them afraid.

14. Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!

15. The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm.

16. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak.

17. The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”

18. I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her.

19. Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather the outcasts; I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame.

20. At that time I will bring you back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. The Lord has spoken.