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Zephaniah 3

World English Bible

WEB

1Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city! 2She didn’t obey the voice. She didn’t receive correction. She didn’t trust in Yahweh. She didn’t draw near to her God. 3Her princes within her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day. 4Her prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law. 5Yahweh, within her, is righteous. He will do no wrong. Every morning he brings his justice to light. He doesn’t fail, but the unjust know no shame. 6I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, so that there is no inhabitant. 7I said, “Just fear me. Receive correction,” so that her dwelling won’t be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning her. But they rose early and corrupted all their doings. 8“Therefore wait for me”, says Yahweh, “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 on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. 9For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on Yahweh’s name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder. 10From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering. 11In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out from among you your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be arrogant in my holy mountain. 12But I will leave among you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in Yahweh’s name. 13The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid.” 14Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem. 15Yahweh has taken away your judgments. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel, Yahweh, is among you. You will not be afraid of evil any more. 16In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, “Don’t be afraid, Zion. Don’t let your hands be weak.” 17Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing. 18I will remove those who grieve about the appointed feasts from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you. 19Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; and I will save those who are lame and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, whose shame has been in all the earth. 20At that time I will bring you in, and at that time I will gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says Yahweh.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Zephaniah Chapter 3 presents a powerful conclusion to the prophet's message, focusing on the themes of judgment and restoration. The chapter begins with a lament over the rebellious city of #Jerusalem, described as a place filled with oppression and corruption. The inhabitants are characterized as disobedient, failing to heed the voice of the Lord and not trusting in Him. This sets the stage for the impending judgment that Zephaniah proclaims, emphasizing the consequences of their actions and the need for repentance. The chapter highlights the importance of humility and seeking righteousness, as those who remain faithful will be spared from the coming destruction.

As the chapter progresses, the tone shifts from judgment to hope. God promises to gather the remnant of His people, those who have been faithful and humble. In verses 14-20, Zephaniah speaks of a future restoration where God will rejoice over His people, bringing them back to a place of security and joy. The imagery of God singing and delighting in His people illustrates His deep love and commitment to them. This chapter ultimately points to the hope of redemption and the fulfillment of God's promises, reminding us that even in judgment, there is a path to restoration for those who turn back to Him. The message of Zephaniah 3 encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's ultimate plan for salvation and renewal.

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Referenced by

  1. Genesis 4:26v9Genesis 4:26 notes the beginning of calling on the name of the Lord, which is echoed in Zephaniah 3:9 where a pure language is given to call upon the Lord.
  2. Genesis 11:1v9Genesis 11:1 describes the whole earth having one language, which contrasts with Zephaniah 3:9 where God promises to restore a pure language to the peoples, indicating a future unity under God.
  3. Psalms 46:5v17Psalm 46:5 assures that God is in the midst of His city, and it shall not be moved, similar to Zephaniah 3:17, which emphasizes God's presence among His people, bringing salvation and joy.
  4. Psalms 149:4v17Psalm 149:4 speaks of the Lord taking pleasure in His people, which is echoed in Zephaniah 3:17 where God rejoices over His people with gladness.
  5. Isaiah 12:6v14Isaiah 12:6 encourages shouting and singing for joy because of God's presence, similar to Zephaniah 3:14-17, which describes rejoicing because the Lord is in the midst of His people.
  6. Isaiah 18:1v10Isaiah 18:1 refers to the land beyond the rivers of Cush, which is also mentioned in Zephaniah 3:10 as a place from which worshippers will come to bring offerings to the Lord, indicating a future inclusion of distant nations in God's plan.
  7. Isaiah 19:18v9Isaiah 19:18 speaks of a future time when five cities in Egypt will speak the language of Canaan, which aligns with Zephaniah 3:9 where God promises to purify the lips of the peoples so they may call on His name.
  8. Micah 4:7v19Micah 4:7 speaks of the Lord reigning over the remnant, which parallels Zephaniah 3:19 where God promises to gather the outcast and give them praise, highlighting the restoration and exaltation of the remnant.
  9. Luke 15:10v17Luke 15:10 speaks of the joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents, which echoes the joy and delight God has over His people as described in Zephaniah 3:17.

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