צפניה, פרק א׳, פסוק ד׳

The prophecy of destruction shifts from a broad vision of ruin to a highly specific target: the Kingdom of Judah and its central capital, Jerusalem. God directs His punishing blow toward the city's inhabitants and the spiritual corruption still lingering within its walls [אברבנאל, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

He promises to completely erase the remnants of Baal worship. The primary approach among commentators is that absolutely no trace of this false worship will survive. Historically, these practices were either stubborn habits adopted from the exiled Ten Tribes or lingering cults that somehow survived King Josiah's massive campaign to cleanse the land of idols [רד״ק, אברבנאל, מלבי״ם]. A different perspective suggests that the focus of this destruction is not just the culture, but the actual physical body of the idol itself [אבן עזרא].

The decree of ruin then extends to the religious figures who maintained these practices. It specifically targets the idolatrous priests, who were known for wearing distinct black garments [רד״ק] or for leading the worship of the sun [מלבי״ם]. Another group of priests is mentioned alongside them, and their exact identity is a matter of debate. The primary approach among commentators is that they were also pagan clerics, differing from the first group only in their style of clothing [מצודת ציון], their specific ritual duties [רד״ק], or their lower hierarchical rank [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

In stark contrast, some suggest that this second group actually refers to God's own priests who faithfully served in the Temple. According to this view, the prophecy highlights the absolute severity of the coming exile. The destruction will be so total and indiscriminate that it will sweep away everyone, wiping out the wicked idolaters and the righteous servants of God together [אברבנאל, מלבי״ם].