Zephaniah 2:1-2

Zephaniah 2:1 Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired;

2 Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you, before the day of the LORD'S anger come upon you.

Notice how many times the word ‘before’ is used in verse 2 above. The use of the word before reveals that ‘after’ the day pass (i.e., the time for Judgment Day arrives) and ‘after’ the fierce anger of the LORD comes, and ‘after’ the Day of the LORD’s anger has come upon you – is not the proper time and season in which to seek the Lord’s mercy. Zephaniah 2:2 shows us that seeking the Lord for His mercy must be done in its PROPER TIME AND SEASON.