Zephaniah 3
1 Woe to the rebellious, defiled city, the city that oppresses!
2 She has listened to no voice and accepted no correction. She has not trusted in the LORD or drawn near to her God.
3 Her officials within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave nothing for the morning.
4 Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men. Her priests profane what is holy and do violence to the Law.
5 The LORD is righteous in her midst; he does no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light; it never fails. But the unjust know no shame.
6 I have wiped out nations; their towers lie in ruins. I have emptied their streets, with no one passing through. Their cities have been destroyed, with not a single person, no inhabitant.
7 I said, “Surely you will fear me and accept correction; her dwelling will not be cut off, despite all that I commanded against her.” But they rose early and corrupted all their deeds.
8 Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise as a witness. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, and to pour out on them my indignation, all the heat of my anger. By the fire of my zeal the whole earth will be consumed.
9 Then I will change the lips of the peoples to pure lips, so that they may all call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder.
10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, the daughter of my scattered people, will bring my offering.
11 On that day you will not be ashamed of any of the deeds by which you rebelled against me. For then I will remove from among you those who rejoice in their pride, and you will never again be arrogant on my holy mountain.
12 I will leave among you a humble and poor people, and they will take refuge in the name of the LORD.
13 Those remaining in Israel will do no wrong and speak no lies; no deceitful tongue will be found in their mouths. They will graze and lie down, and no one will frighten them.
14 Sing, daughter of Zion; shout for joy, people of Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem.
15 The LORD has removed the judgments against you and driven out your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel, is in your midst; you will fear evil no more.
16 On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, Zion; do not let your hands fall limp.”
17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty warrior who saves. He will take delight in you with joy; he will be quiet in his love; he will rejoice over you with singing.
18 I have gathered those who grieve far from the appointed festivals; they belonged to you, and the burden they carried was a disgrace.
19 Look, at that time I will act against all who oppress you. I will save the one who limps and gather the one who was driven away; I will make them a praise and a name throughout the whole land where they were put to shame.
20 At that time I will bring you back; at that time I will gather you. Yes, I will give you renown and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the LORD.
Read and listen to this chapter in the Shalem app, free: narration, chapter video and reading progress. Get the app