Zephaniah 3:14-20

Easy-to-Read Version

¹⁴ Jerusalem, sing and be happy!
    Israel, shout for joy!
    Jerusalem, be happy and have fun!
¹⁵ The Lord stopped your punishment.
    He destroyed your enemies’ strong towers.
King of Israel, the Lord is with you.
    You don’t need to worry about anything bad happening.
¹⁶ At that time Jerusalem will be told,
    “Be strong, don’t be afraid!
¹⁷ The Lord your God is with you.
    He is like a powerful soldier.
    He will save you.
He will show how much he loves you
    and how happy he is with you.
He will laugh and be happy about you,
¹⁸     like people at a party.
I will take away your shame.
    I will make them stop hurting you.^[a]
19 At that time I will punish those who hurt you.
    I will save my hurt people
    and bring back those who were forced to leave.
I will give them praise and honor everywhere,
    even in places where they suffered shame.
²⁰ At that time I will lead you back home.
    I will bring your people back together.
I will cause people everywhere to honor and praise you.
    You will see me bring back all the blessings you once had.”
This is what the Lord said.