Zephaniah 3:6-8

New International Reader's Version

“I have destroyed other nations.
    I have wiped out their forts.
I have left their streets deserted.
    No one walks along them.
Their cities are destroyed.
    They are deserted and empty.
⁷ Here is what I thought about Jerusalem.
‘Surely you will have respect for me.
    Surely you will accept my warning.’
    Then the city you think is safe would not be destroyed.
And I would not have to punish you so much.
    But they still wanted to go on sinning
    in every way they 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 my burning anger on them.
    The fire of my jealous anger
    will burn the whole world up.