While the ESV has four “befores” in this verse, its second is not in the original. Thus, there are three “befores.” Zephaniah’s threefold repetition of the preposition “before” highlights how fleeting the opportunity to repent truly is. Something needs to be done, and it needs to be done quickly, before the moment of opportunity disappears.
2 before the decree takes effect before the day passes away like chaff before there comes upon you the burning anger of the LORD, before there comes upon you the day of the anger of the LORD.