Zephaniah

¹ the home of oppressors—Sewer City!

² wouldn't accept correction, Wouldn't trust God, wouldn't even get close to her own god!

³ are rapacious lions, Her judges are rapacious timber wolves out every morning prowling for a fresh kill.

⁴ They're opportunists—you can't trust them. Her priests desecrate the Sanctuary. They use God's law as a weapon to maim and kill souls.

⁵ untouched by the evil. He stays at it, day after day, meting out justice. At evening he's still at it, strong as ever. But evil men and women, without conscience and without shame, persist in evil.

⁶ I knocked down their defense posts, Filled her roads with rubble so no one could get through. Her cities were bombed-out ruins, unlivable and unlived in.

⁷ accept my discipline and correction, Find a way of escape from the trouble she's in, find relief from the punishment I'm bringing.' But it didn't faze her. Bright and early she was up at it again, doing the same old things.

⁸ God's Decree. "Your day in court is coming, but remember I'll be there to bring evidence. I'll bring all the nations to the courtroom, round up all the kingdoms, And let them feel the brunt of my anger, my raging wrath. My zeal is a fire that will purge and purify the earth.

⁹ I'll give them a language undistorted, unpolluted, Words to address God in worship and, united, to serve me with their shoulders to the wheel.

¹⁰ they'll come praying— All my scattered, exiled people will come home with offerings for worship.

¹¹ of all those acts of rebellion. I'll have gotten rid of your arrogant leaders. No more pious strutting on my holy hill!

¹² who are poor in spirit— What's left of Israel that's really Israel. They'll make their home in God.

¹³ will not do wrong. They won't lie, won't use words to flatter or seduce. Content with who they are and where they are, unanxious, they'll live at peace."

¹⁴ Raise the rafters, Israel! Daughter Jerusalem, be happy! celebrate!

¹⁵ and sent your enemies off chasing their tails. From now on, God is Israel's king, in charge at the center. There's nothing to fear from evil ever again!

¹⁶ "Don't be afraid. Dear Zion, don't despair.

¹⁷ a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.

¹⁸ will dissipate. I, your God, will get rid of them for you. You've carried those burdens long enough.

¹⁹ who've made your life miserable. I'll heal the maimed; I'll bring home the homeless. In the very countries where they were hated they will be venerated.

²⁰ I'll bring you back home—a great family gathering! You'll be famous and honored all over the world. You'll see it with your own eyes— all those painful partings turned into reunions!" God's Promise.