Old Testament

New Testament

Zephaniah 3:7-15 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

7. I said to you people of Jerusalem, 'Because I cut off other nations, you will have respect for me. Now you will accept my warning.' I wish you had returned to me. Then your homes would not have been torn down. And I would not have had to punish you so much. But you still wanted to go on sinning in every way you could.

8. So wait for me to come as judge," announces the Lord. "Wait for the day I will stand up to witness against all sinners. I have decided to gather the nations. I will bring the kingdoms together. And I will pour out all of my burning anger on them. The fire of my jealous anger will burn the whole world up.

9. "But then I will purify what all of the nations say. And they will use their words to worship me. They will serve me together.

10. My scattered people, you will come to me from beyond the rivers of Cush. You will worship me. You will bring me offerings.

11. You have done many wrong things to me. But at that time you will not be put to shame anymore. Then I will remove from this city those who take delight in their pride. You will never be proud again on my holy mountain of Zion.

12. But inside your city I will leave those who are not proud at all. They trust in me.

13. Those who are still left alive in Israel will not do anything wrong. They will not tell any lies. They will not say anything to fool others. They will eat and lie down in peace. And no one will make them afraid."

14. People of Zion, sing! Israel, shout loudly! People of Jerusalem, be glad! Let your hearts be full of joy.

15. The Lord has stopped punishing you. He has made your enemies turn away from you. The Lord is the King of Israel. He is with you. You will never again be afraid that others will harm you.

Read complete chapter Zephaniah 3