Just as Judah’s debauchery and idolatry reached all the way to Jerusalem’s political and religious leaders, so too would the Lord’s punishment extend that far. The political and religious leaders instigated Judah’s covenant rebellion, and on account of this they ultimately caused its destruction (Zephaniah 3:3–4; see also Jeremiah 32:32; Jeremiah 34:18–19. Palmer Robertson says it well: The first in dignity, honor, office, and leadership shall be first to receive judgment.
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8 And on the day of the LORD’s sacrifice “I will punish the officials and the king’s sons and all who array themselves in foreign attire.