Zephaniah 1:2-9 (MSG) "I'm going to make a clean sweep of the earth, a thorough housecleaning." God's Decree.
"Men and women and animals, including birds and fish— Anything and everything that causes sin—will go, but especially people.
"I'll start with Judah and everybody who lives in Jerusalem. I'll sweep the place clean of every trace of the sex-and-religion Baal shrines and their priests.
I'll get rid of the people who sneak up to their rooftops at night to worship the star gods and goddesses; Also those who continue to worship God but cover their bases by worshiping other king-gods as well;
Not to mention those who've dumped God altogether, no longer giving him a thought or offering a prayer.
"Quiet now! Reverent silence before me, God, the Master! Time's up. My Judgment Day is near: The Holy Day is all set, the invited guests made holy.
On the Holy Day, God's Judgment Day, I will punish the leaders and the royal sons; I will punish those who dress up like foreign priests and priestesses,
Who introduce pagan prayers and practices; And I'll punish all who import pagan superstitions that turn holy places into hellholes.