Zephaniah 3

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

2She does not listen to anyone; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in Yahweh; she does not draw near to her God.

3Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are wolves at evening that leave nothing for the morning.

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

5Yahweh within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he brings his justice to light; he never fails. Yet the unrighteous know no shame.

6I have cut off nations; their corner towers are in ruins. I have laid waste their streets, with no one passing through. Their cities are destroyed, with no one left, no inhabitant.

7I said, “Surely you will fear me; you will accept correction.” Then her dwelling would not be cut off, despite all the punishments I have brought upon her. But they were all the more eager to make everything they did corrupt.

8Therefore wait for me, declares Yahweh, for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out on them my indignation, all my burning anger. For in the fire of my jealousy the whole earth will be consumed.

9Then I will give the peoples pure lips, so that all of them may call on the name of Yahweh and serve him shoulder to shoulder.

10From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings.

11On that day you will not be put to shame for all the deeds by which you have rebelled against me, for then I will remove from your midst those who exult in their pride, and you will never again be haughty on my holy mountain.

12But I will leave within you a people humble and lowly, and they will take refuge in the name of Yahweh.

13The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will tell no lies, and no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouths. They will graze and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.

14Sing aloud, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem!

15Yahweh has taken away the judgments against you; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is in your midst; you will never again fear disaster.

16On that day it will be said to Jerusalem, “Do not be afraid, Zion; do not let your hands hang limp.

17Yahweh your God is in your midst, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness; he will be quiet in his love; he will delight in you with shouts of joy.”

18Those who grieve over the appointed festivals I will gather; they came from you, and reproach was a burden on her.

19At that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame and gather those who have been driven away, and I will turn their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.

20At that time I will bring you in; at that time I will gather you. For I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says Yahweh.