Definition: Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination [is] to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, [even] all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Zephaniah 3:8. It's a pretty intense and dramatic passage about God’s plan for the future. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse speaks to God’s intention to punish and destroy wickedness and injustice on Earth. It’s essentially saying, “I’m going to take action against those who are evil.” Let's break it down word by word: “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD…” – This is a command from God. He’s telling us to stay and watch . It emphasizes that this isn't a casual decision; it's a deliberate plan. “…until the day that I rise up to the prey…” – Think of it like this: “Until the day when I finally get my chance.” God is preparing for a specific moment, a "day" where he will take action. “for my determination [is] to gather the nations…” - This means God has a strong and determined plan to bring people together. He wants to collect or unite these nations. “…that I may assemble the kingdoms…” – He’s planning to create large, powerful groups of people (kingdoms) – essentially forming larger political entities. “to pour upon them mine indignation, [even] all my fierce anger:” - This is the most intense part. God intends to unleash a huge amount of anger and punishment. “Mine fierce anger” is a very strong expression of his displeasure. “…for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.” – This is the worst-case scenario. He's planning to completely destroy everything on Earth, not just physically but also spiritually – it’s like a massive, devastating fire fueled by his feelings of bitterness and resentment. In short: God intends to punish those who are evil and wicked. He's setting up a plan to gather nations, create powerful kingdoms, and unleash a tremendous amount of anger and destruction on the entire world. It’s a very serious warning from God about the consequences of sin. Important Note: This is a challenging verse because it speaks of judgment and devastation. It's often interpreted as a prophecy of future events, but also carries a powerful message of God's justice and his desire for a righteous world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Provide context about the historical situation Zephaniah was writing about (which is relevant)? Discuss what this verse might mean to us today, considering themes of justice and righteousness?