Open English Translation ZEP Chapter 3

3 The one rebelling and being defiled is to be pited—

the city of oppressors.

2 She doesn’t listen to what she’s told.

≈She doesn’t take correction.

She refuses to trust in Yahweh.

≈She won’t approach her God.

3 Her leaders are roaring lions among the flock.

≈Her judges are wolves that approach in the evening.

There’s nothing left to eat by the morning.

4 Her prophets are insolent, treacherous men.

≈Her priests profane the sanctuary—they violate God’s law.

5 Yahweh behaves fairly in her midst.

≈He doesn’t do anything that’s wrong.

He makes fair and just judgements every morning.

At every dawn, he’s present there,

and yet those who’re disobedient have no shame.

6 I’ve destroyed nations—broken down their walls.

≈I’ve destroyed their streets and now they’re deserted.

Their cities are ruined, lifeless,

≈without anyone living in them.

7 I said, ‘Surely you will respect me and accept correction.

≈Then she won’t die as a city because of my punishing her.’

Nevertheless, they got up early to do all their corrupt activities.

8 Yahweh declares:

Wait for me, for when I pounce on the prey,

because my decision is to gather nations and assemble kingdoms,

to pour my indignation and all my anger out on them,

because the whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealousy.

9 Then I’ll be sure to give pure speech to the peoples,

so all of them can pray to Yahweh,

and serve him side-by-side.

10 From across the rivers of Ethiopia (Cush), my worshipers,

my scattered children will return and bring my offering.

11 On that day you won’t feel ashamed about all the times you disobeyed me,

because at that time, I’ll remove those proud people from among you,

and you won’t continue to be arrogant on my sacred mountain.

12 And I’ll leave the poorer and humble people among you,

and they’ll trust in Yahweh’s authority.

13 The surviving Israelis won’t do what is wrong.

≈They won’t tell lies or deceive others.

Instead they’ll eat and sleep in peace,

≈No one will be there to terrify them.”[ref]

14 Zion’s daughter, sing happily.

≈All Israel, shout aloud.

Daughters of Yerushalem, be happy and triumphant will all your being.

15 Yahweh will stop punishing you.

He’s forced your enemy to retreat.

Israel’s king, Yahweh, is among you.

Don’t worry any more about being harmed.

16 In that day Yerushalem will be told,

“Don’t be afraid, Zion.

Don’t let your hands grow weak.

17 Your God Yahweh is right there.

A powerful warrior, he’ll save you.

He’ll be so happy about you.

He’ll be silent in his love.

He’ll talk happily about your rescue.”

18 I will gather those among you who grieve so they can attend the celebrations.

They were taken as tribute and it was a reproach.

19 Look, I’ll be dealing with all of your oppressors at that time.

I’ll save your people who’re disabled or who’ve been shamed.

Then I’ll get them praising,

and change their shame into a good reputation around the world.

20 At that time I will bring you all in—

≈yes, I’ll gather you all together at that time.

You’ll have a good reputation and people all over the world will praise you,

as I restore your good fortune right in front of your eyes.

Yahweh has spoken.