צפניה, פרק ב׳, פסוק י׳

The neighboring nations of Moab and Ammon face a severe downfall, but their impending punishment is not simply a result of general moral decay. Rather, it is a direct response to their arrogant and abusive treatment of the Israelites.

These nations are certainly guilty of heavy moral failures. However, [מלבי״ם] points out that even if they had committed the three worst offenses—idol worship, forbidden sexual relations, and murder—the specific destruction heading their way is triggered entirely by their choice to humiliate the chosen people. The punishment serves as an exact exchange for their overwhelming pride [מצודת ציון] [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Their arrogance took the form of harsh verbal abuse. They spoke out at length, piling insults and disgrace upon Israel [אבן עזרא] [מצודת דוד] [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the Israelites themselves may have been flawed and open to criticism for their own sins, the surrounding nations had no right to mock them. For the very act of choosing to ridicule and disgrace God's people, Ammon and Moab are struck down [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Part of this arrogant mockery involved the nations claiming that the Israelites were also guilty of worshiping idols. In direct response to this insult, God will step in to show His absolute power. He will actively weaken and expose the powerlessness of the foreign gods. Ultimately, this confrontation will lead to a future where all people of the earth, even those on distant islands, will recognize His kingdom and understand that God alone is the true God [אברבנאל].