Zephaniah 3

Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city!

Alas, for the city that is tainted and corrupt, the city that thrives on oppression!

She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God.

She ignored His call, shrugged off His guidance, doubted His presence, and kept her distance from God.

Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow.

Her leaders are as fierce as lions, her judges as ruthless as wolves in the night, leaving nothing untouched until morning.

Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.

Her seers are deceptive, lacking sincerity; her priests have tainted the sacred place, they've brutally twisted the law.

The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

The fair and righteous Lord is always present. He never acts unjustly. Every morning, He brings His justice to light and never fails. Yet, those who are unjust remain unashamed.

I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

I've silenced the nations; their once proud towers now stand empty. I've turned their bustling streets into ghost towns, their cities are in ruins, devoid of life and laughter.

I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction; so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings.

I thought, surely, you'll respect me and learn from my teachings, so your home won't be destroyed, no matter how much I discipline you. But instead, you woke up early to ruin everything you did.

Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

Be patient and trust in me, says the Lord. Wait for the day when I will rise to bring justice. I plan to unite all nations and kingdoms, to unleash my righteous anger upon them. For my intense jealousy will consume the entire earth like a raging fire.

For 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.

Then, I will give people a clear voice, so they can all unite in calling upon God's name and serve Him wholeheartedly.

From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, even the daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering.

From across the distant rivers of Ethiopia, my faithful followers, my scattered people, will bring me their heartfelt gifts.

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

On that day, you won't feel guilt for your past mistakes against me. I'll remove those who revel in your arrogance, and you'll no longer be prideful because of my sacred place.

I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD.

I will leave among you a people who are struggling and in need. Yet, they will find hope and faith in the Lord's name.

The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

The remaining people of Israel will live in truth, not sinning or lying. Their words will be honest, not deceitful. They will live in peace and comfort, without fear.

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Celebrate with joy, dear child of Zion; let your voice ring out, Israel. Let your heart overflow with happiness, beloved daughter of Jerusalem.

The 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 not see evil any more.

God has removed your punishments and banished your enemies. The King of Israel, our Lord, is with you. You will no longer witness any evil.

In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.

On that day, we'll reassure Jerusalem, "Don't be afraid," and encourage Zion, "Keep your strength, don't lose hope."

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Your God, ever-present, is powerful. He will rescue you, delighting in you with great joy. He will find peace in his love for you, expressing his joy for you through song.

I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden.

I will bring together those among you who grieve over the sacred festivals they have lost, those for whom the shame of it has been a heavy burden.

Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.

Look, when that time comes, I'll deal with all those who oppress you. I'll rescue those who limp and bring back those who were driven away. I'll make sure they are respected and celebrated everywhere they were once humiliated.

At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

When the time comes, I'll bring you back, even as I gather you. I'll make your name respected and praised by everyone on earth. You'll see your hardships end with your own eyes, promises the LORD.