Zephaniah closes with promises of gathering and reversal of shame. The LORD speaks of bringing his people in, gathering them, and making them renowned and praised among the peoples of the earth when fortunes are restored (Zephaniah 3:19–20).
In Zephaniah 3:18–20, Yahweh speaks about removing a painful burden from Jerusalem: people grieving because they cannot participate in the appointed festivals. He then promises a decisive reversal “at that time”: he will confront those who oppress his people, help the vulnerable, and regather those pushed out. These verses come at the close of Zephaniah’s final chapter, where the book moves from exposing Jerusalem’s failures to announcing renewal and stability for a humbled people.
These verses present Yahweh as the main actor who reverses Jerusalem’s disgrace. The text ties that disgrace to concrete losses: people grieve because they cannot take part in the appointed festivals, some are “lame,” and others have been “driven away” (scattered).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Zephaniah 3:19-20, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
19Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you, and I will save those who are lame, and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, whose shame has been in all the earth.
20At that time will I bring you in, and at that time will I gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I bring back your captivity before your eyes, says Yahweh.