Zephaniah 3:7-9

New International Reader's Version

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.

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