1. This is the word that the Lord spoke to Zephaniah, who was the son of Cushi, the grandson of Gedaliah, and the great-grandson of Amariah, son of Hezekiah. The Lord spoke his word in the days of Judah’s King Josiah, son of Amon.
2. “I will gather everything on the face of the earthand put an end to it,” declares the Lord.
3. “I will put an end to humans and animals.I will put an end tothe birds in the sky,the fish in the sea,and the sins that make people fall, together with the sinners.I will remove all people from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord.
4. “I will use my power against Judahand against those who live in Jerusalem.I will remove the faithful few of Baal from this placeand the names of the pagan priests along with my priests.
5. I will remove those who worship all the stars in the sky on their rooftopsand those who worship by swearing loyalty to the Lordwhile also swearing loyalty to the god Milcom.
6. I will remove those who have turned away from following the Lordand those who no longer seek the Lord or ask him for help.”
7. Be silent in the presence of the Almighty Lord,because the day of the Lord is near.The Lord has prepared a sacrifice.He has invited his special guests.
8. “On the day of the Lord’s sacrifice I will punish the officials,the king’s sons, and all who dress in foreign clothing.