Zephaniah 3:1-20
Zephaniah 3.1-20
Sinful Jerusalem
Too bad for that disgusting, corrupt, and lawless city! Forever
rebellious and rejecting correction, Jerusalem refuses to trust or
obey the Lord God. Its officials are roaring lions, its judges are
wolves; in the evening they attack, by morning nothing is left.
Jerusalem's prophets are proud and not to be trusted. The priests have
disgraced the place of worship and abused God's Law. All who do evil
are shameless, but the Lord does right and is always fair. With the
dawn of each day, God brings about justice.
The Lord wiped out nations and left fortresses crumbling in the dirt.
Their streets and towns were reduced to ruins and emptied of people.
God felt certain that Jerusalem would learn to respect and obey him.
Then he would hold back from punishing the city and not wipe it out.
But everyone there was eager to start sinning again.
Nations Will Turn to the Lord
The Lord said: Just wait for the day when I accuse you nations. I have
decided on a day, when I will bring together every nation and kingdom
and punish them all in my fiery anger. I will become furious and
destroy the earth.
I will purify each language and make those languages acceptable for
praising me. Then, with hearts united, everyone will serve only me,
the Lord. From across the rivers of Ethiopia, my scattered people, my
true worshipers, will bring offerings to me.
When that time comes, you won't rebel against me and be put to shame.
I'll do away with those who are proud and arrogant. Never will any of
them strut around on my holy mountain. But I, the Lord, won't destroy
any of your people who are truly humble and turn to me for safety. The
people of Israel who survive will live right and refuse to tell lies.
They will eat and rest with nothing to fear.
A Song of Celebration
Everyone in Jerusalem and Judah, celebrate and shout with all your
heart! Zion, your punishment is over. The Lord has forced your enemies
to turn and retreat. Your Lord is King of Israel and stands at your
side; you don't have to worry about any more troubles.
Jerusalem, the time is coming, when it will be said to you: "Don't be
discouraged or grow weak from fear! The Lord your God wins victory
after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because
of you, and he will refresh your life with his love."
The Lord's Promise to His People
The Lord has promised: Your sorrow has ended, and you can celebrate. I
will punish those who mistreat you. I will bring together the lame and
the outcasts, then they will be praised, instead of despised, in every
country on earth. I will lead you home, and with your own eyes you
will see me bless you with all you once owned. Then you will be famous
everywhere on this earth. I, the Lord, have spoken!
God bless you.
Sinful Jerusalem
Too bad for that disgusting, corrupt, and lawless city! Forever
rebellious and rejecting correction, Jerusalem refuses to trust or
obey the Lord God. Its officials are roaring lions, its judges are
wolves; in the evening they attack, by morning nothing is left.
Jerusalem's prophets are proud and not to be trusted. The priests have
disgraced the place of worship and abused God's Law. All who do evil
are shameless, but the Lord does right and is always fair. With the
dawn of each day, God brings about justice.
The Lord wiped out nations and left fortresses crumbling in the dirt.
Their streets and towns were reduced to ruins and emptied of people.
God felt certain that Jerusalem would learn to respect and obey him.
Then he would hold back from punishing the city and not wipe it out.
But everyone there was eager to start sinning again.
Nations Will Turn to the Lord
The Lord said: Just wait for the day when I accuse you nations. I have
decided on a day, when I will bring together every nation and kingdom
and punish them all in my fiery anger. I will become furious and
destroy the earth.
I will purify each language and make those languages acceptable for
praising me. Then, with hearts united, everyone will serve only me,
the Lord. From across the rivers of Ethiopia, my scattered people, my
true worshipers, will bring offerings to me.
When that time comes, you won't rebel against me and be put to shame.
I'll do away with those who are proud and arrogant. Never will any of
them strut around on my holy mountain. But I, the Lord, won't destroy
any of your people who are truly humble and turn to me for safety. The
people of Israel who survive will live right and refuse to tell lies.
They will eat and rest with nothing to fear.
A Song of Celebration
Everyone in Jerusalem and Judah, celebrate and shout with all your
heart! Zion, your punishment is over. The Lord has forced your enemies
to turn and retreat. Your Lord is King of Israel and stands at your
side; you don't have to worry about any more troubles.
Jerusalem, the time is coming, when it will be said to you: "Don't be
discouraged or grow weak from fear! The Lord your God wins victory
after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because
of you, and he will refresh your life with his love."
The Lord's Promise to His People
The Lord has promised: Your sorrow has ended, and you can celebrate. I
will punish those who mistreat you. I will bring together the lame and
the outcasts, then they will be praised, instead of despised, in every
country on earth. I will lead you home, and with your own eyes you
will see me bless you with all you once owned. Then you will be famous
everywhere on this earth. I, the Lord, have spoken!
God bless you.
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