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Zephaniah 3:9-20

He Will Rejoice over Thee with Singing

Lyrics · Zephaniah

He Will Rejoice over Thee with Singing

Zephaniah 3:9-20

Lyrics
[Purified Tongues] Then a pure language passes through peoples, All call the name of the LORD as one. From beyond rivers the scattered bring offering, Pride leaves the mountain where boasting was done. [Verse I] A poor and afflicted remnant is sheltered, Trusting the name that the nations ignored. No lie in their mouths, no deceit in their dwelling; They feed and lie down with no terror of sword. [Invitation] Sing, daughter Zion, Shout, Israel. Rejoice with the whole heart, Jerusalem, tell. [Chorus] He will rejoice over thee with singing, The Mighty One saves in the midst of the land. He quiets the fear with the depth of his love, And gathers the weak with a merciful hand. He will rejoice over thee with singing, The judgment removed and the enemy gone. Fear not, let not your hands grow weary; The LORD in the midst makes his people strong. [Verse II] Those who grieved far from the solemn assembly Are gathered from shame and carried back home. The lame are restored, the outcast remembered, Their sorrow exchanged for a name of renown. [Bridge] At that time he deals with the ones who afflicted, Saves what was halting and gathers what strayed. In every land where the people knew shame, Praise and a name are openly made. [Final Chorus] He will rejoice over thee with singing, The Mighty One saves in the midst of the land. He quiets the fear with the depth of his love, And gathers the weak with a merciful hand. He will rejoice over thee with singing, Bring home the dispersed before every eye. Turn back captivity, restore the dishonored, Let Zion lift praise underneath the clear sky. [Soft Coda] He rests in his love, Then sings over the people.

Named in this songZionJerusalem

About the passage

Zephaniah 3: The city that is judged becomes the city that sings

The Book of Zephaniah turns from Nineveh's exposed pride to an oppressing city that is gradually revealed as Jerusalem, and the move removes any comfortable distance between foreign judgment and Judah's own corruption. Princes, judges, prophets, and priests occupy trusted offices while acting like predators or violating what they were meant to guard. The sharpest contrast comes each morning: the LORD brings judgment to light, while the unjust rise early to corrupt their doings. From that failure the chapter moves toward a transformed people. Proud confidence in the holy mountain is removed, truthful speech replaces deceit, and an afflicted remnant can feed and lie down without fear. The LORD's presence changes from the fact that intensifies Jerusalem's guilt to the fact that establishes its safety. The city sings, then the LORD is pictured rejoicing over it with singing. The close gathers the sorrowful, lame, and driven out, making restoration something done for those who could not simply carry themselves home.

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