Zephaniah 3:8 has elements of both promise and judgment. In the flow of the prophecy, it functions as a transitional verse. It shifts us from the previous context of judgment pronounced against Judah and the world (Zephaniah 1:2 – 3:7) to words of hope of restoration for a righteous remnant (Zephaniah 3:9–20).
8 “Therefore wait for me,” declares the LORD, “for the day when I rise up to seize the prey. For my decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them my indignation, all my burning anger; for in the fire of my jealousy all the earth shall be consumed.