Zephaniah Chapter 3

The Future of Jerusalem

¹ Misfortune awaits the rebellious, defiled, tyrannical city, Jerusalem,

      ² that wouldn’t take advice or accept instruction,

      that didn’t trust in the LORD or come near to its God.

³ Its officials are roaring lions;

its judges are ravening wolves at dusk

      that leave nothing over till morning.

⁴ Its prophets are reckless, devious men;

its priests profane the sanctuary and violate the Law.

⁵ The LORD is good within it;

      he still doesn’t do anything unjust.

Every morning he hands down justice without fail,

      but they’re never ashamed of their unjust verdicts.

Zeph 3:1-5

⁶ “I’ve destroyed nations;

      their towers lie in ruins.

I’ve made their streets deserted;

      no one goes by there anymore.

Their towns have been laid waste;

      nobody lives in them.

⁷ I said, ‘Surely, they’ll respect me now

            and accept my instruction

      so their homes won’t get destroyed

            along with everything else I’d appointed for them.’

But they were eager to corrupt everything they did.              Zeph 3:6-7

⁸ “So wait for me to attack my prey,” the LORD says.

I’ve decided to gather nations and kingdoms,

      to pour out my indignation on them, my burning anger;

      I’ll consume them with fiery zeal.

⁹ Then I’ll purify the people’s lips

      so they can call on me

      and serve me together.

¹⁰ From beyond the rivers in Nubia,

      those who worship me—

            descendants of my scattered people—

      will bring me offerings.

¹¹ At that time, you won’t need to be ashamed

            of all the things you did when you rebelled against me;

      I’ll have removed arrogant, celebrating people from you

            so you’ll never again be haughty on my holy mountain.

¹² But among you I’ll leave humble, common people

      who will take refuge in me.

¹³ The ones remaining in Israel will do no wrong,

      tell no lies,

       or have deceit among them;

They’ll graze and bed down in safety;

      nobody will make them afraid.”

Zeph 3:8-13

¹⁴ Shout for joy, Jerusalem!

      Cry out in triumph, Israel!

      Celebrate with all your heart.

¹⁵ The LORD has canceled your condemnation

            and cleared away your foes.

      The King of Israel is among you;

            you need not dread disaster anymore.

Zeph 3:14-15

¹⁶ At that time, he’ll tell Jerusalem,

      “Don’t be afraid, Zion;

      don’t let your hands get weak.”

¹⁷ The LORD your God is among you

            as a victorious soldier.

      I’ll celebrate over you

            and renew my love for you;

      I’ll celebrate over you with happy songs

                  ¹⁸like on festival days.

“I’ll remove disaster from you, Zion;

      you won’t be ashamed of being in exile.

¹⁹ At that time, I’ll deal with your oppressors,

      save the lame, gather the outcast,

      and turn their shame into praise and renown

            the world over.

²⁰ Then I’ll bring you home,

      gather you together,

      and give you renown among the nations

            when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes,”

Zeph 3:16-20

Version by Virgil Warren: christir.org