Zephaniah 2:1-9 ▼

1 Gather together, and gather together, O nation not desired,

2 before the bringing forth of the decree—the day passes like chaff—before the burning of the anger of YHWH comes upon you?, before the day of the anger of YHWH comes upon you?.

3 Seek YHWH, all humble ones of the earth, who have done His justice; seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you? will be hidden away on the day of the nose of YHWH.

4 For Gaza will be forsaken, and Ashkelon as a desolation; they will drive out Ashdod at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted.

5 Woe to those dwelling on the coast of the sea, O nation of Cherethites. The word of YHWH is against you?, O Canaan, land of the Philistines, “And I will make you perish and no one will be dwelling!”

6 And the coast of the sea will become pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds the flock.

7 And the coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah; upon them they will shepherd; in the houses of Ashkelon they will lie down in the evening. For YHWH their God will attend to them and turn back their captivity.

8 “I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the sons of Ammon, with which they have scorned My people, and magnified themselves against their border.

9 Therefore, as I live,” a declaration of YHWH of Hosts the God of Israel, “Surely Moab will become like Sodom, and the sons of Ammon like Gomorrah, a possession of the nettle and the pit of salt, and a desolation even to forever! The remnant of My people will plunder them, and the remainder of My people will possess them.”