Categoria: Zephaniah

 Zephaniah 3 compares Jerusalem’s rebellion with God’s restoration. “Woe to the city of oppressors, rebellious and defiled… she does not trust in the Lord… her prophets are arrogant… her priests profane the sanctuary… so I have left their streets deserted… but they were still eager to act corruptly… so I will pour out my wrath on them… and then from beyond the rivers of Cush my scattered people will bring me offerings… and I will remove from this city those who rejoice in their pride… and the remnant of Israel will do no wrong… Sing O daughter of Zion… be glad and rejoice…because the Lord has taken away your punishment… the Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save… he will rejoice over you with singing… I will rescue the lame and gather those that have been scattered… I will bring you home… says the Lord”.

 “Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins… I will destroy you and none will be left… but in the evening the Lord will restore their fortunes… I have heard the insults of Moab.. surely Moab will become like Sodom and the Ammonites like Gomorrah… this is what they get in place of their pride… the Lord will destroy all their gods… you too O Cushites will be slain by my sword… God will stretch out his hand and destroy Assyria leaving Nineveh utterly desolate… the desert owl and the screech owl will roost on her columns… what a ruin she has become, a lair for wild beasts”.