Zephaniah 1:2-3, 7, 12, 14

“I will sweep away everything from the face of the earth,” says the LORD. “I will sweep away people and animals alike. I will sweep away the birds of the sky and the fish in the sea. I will reduce the wicked to heaps of rubble, and I will wipe humanity from the face of the earth,” says the LORD.

Stand in silence in the presence of the Sovereign LORD, for the awesome day of the LORD’s judgment is near. The LORD has prepared his people for a great slaughter and has chosen their executioners.

“I will search with lanterns in Jerusalem’s darkest corners to punish those who sit complacent in their sins. They think the LORD will do nothing to them, either good or bad.

“That terrible day of the LORD is near. Swiftly it comes— a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out.