Zephaniah 3:1-20.
Zephaniah 3:1-20 (Good News Translation)
1Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own
people. 2It has not listened to the LORD or accepted his discipline. It has
not put its trust in the LORD or asked for his help. 3Its officials are
like roaring lions; its judges are like hungry wolves, too greedy to leave
a bone until morning. 4The prophets are irresponsible and treacherous; the
priests defile what is sacred, and twist the law of God to their own
advantage. 5But the LORD is still in the city; he does what is right and
never what is wrong. Every morning without fail, he brings justice to his
people. And yet the unrighteous people there keep on doing wrong and are
not ashamed. 6The LORD says, I have wiped out whole nations; I have
destroyed their cities and left their walls and towers in ruins. The
cities are deserted; the streets are empty—no one is left. 7I thought
that then my people would have reverence for me and accept my discipline,
that they would never forget the lesson I taught them. But soon they were
behaving as badly as ever. 8Just wait, the LORD says. Wait for the day
when I rise to accuse the nations. I have made up my mind to gather
nations and kingdoms in order to let them feel the force of my anger. The
whole earth will be destroyed by the fire of my fury. 9Then I will change
the people of the nations, and they will pray to me alone and not to other
gods. They will all obey me. 10Even from distant Ethiopia my scattered
people will bring offerings to me. 11At that time you, my people, will no
longer need to be ashamed that you rebelled against me. I will remove
everyone who is proud and arrogant, and you will never again rebel against
me on my sacred hill. 12I will leave there a humble and lowly people, who
will come to me for help. 13The people of Israel who survive will do no
wrong to anyone, tell no lies, nor try to deceive. They will be prosperous
and secure, afraid of no one. 14Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel!
Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem! 15The LORD has stopped your
punishment;
he has removed all your enemies.
The LORD, the king of Israel, is with you;
there is no reason now to be afraid. 16The time is coming when they will
say to Jerusalem,
Do not be afraid, city of Zion!
Do not let your hands hang limp! 17The LORD your God is with you;
his power gives you victory.
The LORD will take delight in you,
and in his love he will give you new life.
He will sing and be joyful over you, 18as joyful as people at a
festival.The LORD says,
I have ended the threat of doom
and taken away your disgrace. 19The time is coming!
I will punish your oppressors;
I will rescue all the lame
and bring the exiles home.
I will turn their shame to honor,
and all the world will praise them. 20The time is coming!
I will bring your scattered people home;
I will make you famous throughout the world
and make you prosperous once again.
The LORD has spoken.
1Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own
people. 2It has not listened to the LORD or accepted his discipline. It has
not put its trust in the LORD or asked for his help. 3Its officials are
like roaring lions; its judges are like hungry wolves, too greedy to leave
a bone until morning. 4The prophets are irresponsible and treacherous; the
priests defile what is sacred, and twist the law of God to their own
advantage. 5But the LORD is still in the city; he does what is right and
never what is wrong. Every morning without fail, he brings justice to his
people. And yet the unrighteous people there keep on doing wrong and are
not ashamed. 6The LORD says, I have wiped out whole nations; I have
destroyed their cities and left their walls and towers in ruins. The
cities are deserted; the streets are empty—no one is left. 7I thought
that then my people would have reverence for me and accept my discipline,
that they would never forget the lesson I taught them. But soon they were
behaving as badly as ever. 8Just wait, the LORD says. Wait for the day
when I rise to accuse the nations. I have made up my mind to gather
nations and kingdoms in order to let them feel the force of my anger. The
whole earth will be destroyed by the fire of my fury. 9Then I will change
the people of the nations, and they will pray to me alone and not to other
gods. They will all obey me. 10Even from distant Ethiopia my scattered
people will bring offerings to me. 11At that time you, my people, will no
longer need to be ashamed that you rebelled against me. I will remove
everyone who is proud and arrogant, and you will never again rebel against
me on my sacred hill. 12I will leave there a humble and lowly people, who
will come to me for help. 13The people of Israel who survive will do no
wrong to anyone, tell no lies, nor try to deceive. They will be prosperous
and secure, afraid of no one. 14Sing and shout for joy, people of Israel!
Rejoice with all your heart, Jerusalem! 15The LORD has stopped your
punishment;
he has removed all your enemies.
The LORD, the king of Israel, is with you;
there is no reason now to be afraid. 16The time is coming when they will
say to Jerusalem,
Do not be afraid, city of Zion!
Do not let your hands hang limp! 17The LORD your God is with you;
his power gives you victory.
The LORD will take delight in you,
and in his love he will give you new life.
He will sing and be joyful over you, 18as joyful as people at a
festival.The LORD says,
I have ended the threat of doom
and taken away your disgrace. 19The time is coming!
I will punish your oppressors;
I will rescue all the lame
and bring the exiles home.
I will turn their shame to honor,
and all the world will praise them. 20The time is coming!
I will bring your scattered people home;
I will make you famous throughout the world
and make you prosperous once again.
The LORD has spoken.
God bless you.
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