Zephaniah 3

1Woe to the defiant and defiled oppressing city!

2She did not listen to the voice, she did not accept discipline, she did not trust in Yahweh, she did not draw near to her God.

3Her princes among her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave no bones till morning.

4Her prophets are reckless and treacherous people; her priests have defiled what is holy and violated the law.

5Yahweh stands righteous in her midst; he commits no injustice. Morning by morning he sets his judgment in the light. He never fails, yet the wicked feel no shame.

6I have cut off nations; their towers lie desolate. I have devastated their streets so that no one passes through; their cities lie destroyed, with no person, no dweller.

7I said, “Surely you will fear me; you will accept discipline, so her dwelling will not be cut off despite all that I have appointed against her.” Yet they rose early and corrupted all their deeds.

8Therefore await me expectantly, declares Yahweh, until the day I arise to the prey, for my judgment is to gather nations, to collect kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation—all my burning fury—for all the earth will be consumed in the fire of my jealousy.

9For then I will turn a pure language to the peoples, that all of them call on the name of Yahweh to serve him with one shoulder.

10From beyond the rivers of Cush, my suppliants, the daughter of my dispersed ones, will bring my offering.

11In that day you will not be put to shame over all your deeds by which you rebelled against me, for then I will remove from your midst those who exult in your haughtiness, and you will no longer be arrogant on my holy mountain.

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

13Israel's remnant will commit no wrong, speak no lies, nor will any treacherous tongue be found in their mouths, for they will graze and rest secure, with nothing to terrify them.

14Rejoice aloud, daughter of Zion! Cry out, Israel! Be glad and exult with your whole heart, daughter of Jerusalem!

15Yahweh has removed your judgments; he has turned away your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is in your midst; you will fear evil no more.

16On that day Jerusalem will be told, "Do not fear, Zion. Do not let your hands grow slack."

17Yahweh your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with joy, he will quiet you in his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

18I will gather those who grieve over the appointed assembly from you; they have been a burden upon her, a reproach.

19Behold, at that time I will act against all who afflict you, and I will save the lame and the outcast; I will gather them and appoint them praise and renown in all the earth instead of their shame.

20At that time I will bring you, and at that time I will gather you; for I will make you a name and praise among all peoples of the earth when I restore your captivity before your eyes, says Yahweh.