Zephaniah 1:1-6

GOD’s Message to Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah. It came during the reign of Josiah son of Amon, who was king of Judah: “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. * * *