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14 Flocks will lie down in her midst,
    along with animals of every kind.
Desert owls and screeching owls will nest at the top of the pillars,
    hooting through the vacant[a] windows,
        ‘Ruin sits at these doorsills,’
for he will expose even the cedar framework.
15 This is that carefree city that lived irresponsibly,
    that told herself, ‘Me first!’[b]
        and, ‘There will be no one else!’
How ruined she has become—
    a habitat for wild animals!
Everyone who passes by her will sneer at her
    and make obscene gestures!”[c]

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Footnotes

  1. Zephaniah 2:14 The Heb. lacks vacant
  2. Zephaniah 2:15 Lit. said in her heart, ‘I’
  3. Zephaniah 2:15 Lit. and wag his hand

14 Flocks and herds(A) will lie down there,
    creatures of every kind.
The desert owl(B) and the screech owl(C)
    will roost on her columns.
Their hooting will echo through the windows,
    rubble will fill the doorways,
    the beams of cedar will be exposed.
15 This is the city of revelry(D)
    that lived in safety.(E)
She said to herself,
    “I am the one! And there is none besides me.”(F)
What a ruin she has become,
    a lair for wild beasts!(G)
All who pass by her scoff(H)
    and shake their fists.(I)

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