18-20 “The accumulated sorrows of your exile
    will dissipate.
I, your God, will get rid of them for you.
    You’ve carried those burdens long enough.
At the same time, I’ll get rid of all those
    who’ve made your life miserable.
I’ll heal the maimed;
    I’ll bring home the homeless.
In the very countries where they were hated
    they will be venerated.
On Judgment Day
    I’ll bring you back home—a great family gathering!
You’ll be famous and honored
    all over the world.
You’ll see it with your own eyes—
    all those painful partings turned into reunions!”
        God’s Promise.

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18 “I will remove from you
    all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals,
    which is a burden and reproach for you.
19 At that time I will deal
    with all who oppressed(A) you.
I will rescue the lame;
    I will gather the exiles.(B)
I will give them praise(C) and honor
    in every land where they have suffered shame.
20 At that time I will gather you;
    at that time I will bring(D) you home.
I will give you honor(E) and praise(F)
    among all the peoples of the earth
when I restore your fortunes[a](G)
    before your very eyes,”
says the Lord.

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Footnotes

  1. Zephaniah 3:20 Or I bring back your captives