Zephaniah’s frame of reference may be found in two passages from the Book of the Law rediscovered by Josiah. According to Deuteronomy 4:19, Israel is warned specifically not to worship
the sun, moon, and stars, all the host of heaven.
Deuteronomy 17:3–7 prescribes the death penalty for any man or woman found worshipping the sun, moon, or stars. The worship of heavenly hosts is an act of breaching covenant with the Lord.1
5 those who bow down on the roofs to the host of the heavens, those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom,