Zephaniah Chapter 3

1Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the robbing city.

2She heard not the voice: she received not correction: she trusted not in the Lord: she drew not near to her God.

3Her princes within her are as roaring lions: her judges are as wolves in the evening, which leave not the bones till the morrow.

4Her prophets are light, and wicked persons: her priests have polluted the Sanctuary: they have wrested the Law.

5The just Lord is in the midst thereof: he will do none iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not: but the wicked will not learn to be ashamed.

6I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate: I have made their streets waste, that none shall pass by, their cities are destroyed without man, and without inhabitant.

7I said, surely thou wilt fear me: thou wilt receive instruction: so their dwelling should not be destroyed howsoever I visited them, but they rose early, and corrupted all their works.

8Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for I am determined to gather the nations, and that I will assemble the kingdoms to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce wrath: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

9Surely then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord to serve him with one consent.

10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, the daughter of my dispersed, praying unto me, shall bring me an offering.

11In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy works, wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then will I take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice of thy pride, and thou shalt no more be proud of mine holy mountain.

12Then will I leave in the midst of thee an humble and poor people: and they shall trust in the Name of the Lord.

13The remnant of Israel shall do none iniquity, nor speak lies: neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall be fed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

14Rejoice, O daughter Zion: be ye joyful, O Israel: be glad and rejoice with all thine heart, O daughter Jerusalem.

15The Lord hath taken away thy judgments: he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, even the Lord is in the midst of thee: thou shalt see no more evil.

16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not, O Zion, let not thine hands be faint.

17The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty: he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy: he will quiet himself in his love: he will rejoice over thee with joy.

18After a certain time will I gather the afflicted that were of thee, and them that bare the reproach for it.

19Behold, at that time I will bruise all that afflict thee, and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was cast out, and I will get them praise and fame in all the lands of their shame.

20At that time will I bring you again, and then will I gather you: for I will give you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.