The Day of Wrath: A Day of Distress and Anguish

Zephaniah opens with the most comprehensive threat of destruction in the Hebrew Bible. God will sweep away everything: people, animals, birds, fish, the wicked — and 'even the name of Baal.' Then the Day of the Lord: 'That day will be a day of wrath — a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet and battle cry.' The Latin translation of this passage — 'Dies Irae' ('Day of Wrath') — became the most famous funeral hymn in history, sung at Requiem Masses for over 700 years.