Judah Judged Amos 2:4

Amos the prophet shared the judgments that were to come upon the enemies of the LORD's people Judah and Israel. In chapter two and verse four of his prophesy, Amos turns his attention toward the people of God who lived in “Judah” where we read:

Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;” Amos began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”; “For three transgressions” or “the three or a triad of rebellions and willful sins” “of Judah” which means “praised” and was “the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon”, “and for four” or “four transgressions”, “I will not turn away” or “the LORD will not return, turn back, refresh, restore or repair” “the punishment thereof” which means “the treading out, trampling on or being broken and torn”. “The LORD” was to bring judgment upon his own people of “Judah” because of their “four transgressions” against Him.

The verse goes on to say, “because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:” Amos continued with the word, “because” which means “since and on account of” “they have despised” or “rejected and refused” “the law” which refers to “the direction and instruction” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”, “and have not kept” or “have not heeded, guarded, observed and given charge of” “his commandments” which refers to “statutes, ordinances, limits, something prescribed or due”, “and their lies” or “untruths, falsehoods, deceptive things” “caused them to err” or “wander, go astray and stagger as if intoxicated”, “after the which” or “afterward and behind” “their fathers” which means “the heads and founders of a household, group, family or clan” “have walked” or “gone away, departed, proceeded or moved”. The reason for God's judgment upon “Judah” was similar to their “forefathers” and their “rejection and refusal” of His law as well as their disobedience to His “statutes and ordinances”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we should be reminded of the apostle Peter's words in chapter four and verse seventeen of his first letter, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” The LORD does not hold even His own people as harmless when they disobey His commandments and forsake His ways. The LORD's desire is for us to obey Him through His Son Jesus Christ, and should we oppose Him, He will bring judgment upon His own like He did unto “Judah”.

Next time we see how God will “send a fire upon Judah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Judge Cut Off from Moab Amos 2:3

Amos the prophet continued to share how the LORD would bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah. Among those peoples were the land of “Moab” which is modern day central western Jordan. In chapter two and verse three of his prophesy, Amos shared how God would “cut off the judge from the midst” of Moab where we read:

And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof,

and will slay all the princes thereof with him, says the LORD.

The verse begins, “And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof,...” Amos began, “And I will cut off” or “cut down, destroy and hew” “the judge” which refers to “the law-giver or governor who decides controversy” “from the midst thereof” or “among, in the middle or inward part of Moab”. The LORD's judgment would “destroy” the “governing ruler” who resided in Moab.

The verse goes on to say, “...and will slay all the princes thereof with him, says the LORD.” Amos continued, “and will slay” or “kill, murder, destroy and ruin” “all” which means “each, every, the total of and completely” “the princes thereof” or “the rulers, leaders, chiefs, officials, vassals, nobles, captains and commanders” “with him” which refers to “the judge”, “says” or “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”. In addition to the “judge” being destroyed, all of the other “rulers and leaders” would be demolished as well.

When we consider these words of Amos, we see the effects of the LORD's judgment upon those who oppose His people. Not only would their facilities be destroyed, but also their political and governmental rule. We should understand “power” comes from God Almighty, and He chooses who will stand and who will fall – who will be elected and who will not. Jesus Christ, God's Son, was His choice for Savior and LORD over all mankind, and those who give allegiance and trust in Him are elevated to a position of blessing rather than curse. May we keep in mind the LORD's great power and ability to remove and replace, and should we be against Him and His people, let us repent before we too are replaced.

Next time we see how God will judge “Judah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Fire Sent upon Moab Amos 2:2

As Amos the prophet of God continued to share concerning the judgment that was to come upon the enemies of Israel and Judah, among them was the country of “Moab” which is modern day central western Jordan. In chapter two and verse two of his prophesy, Amos shared how God would “send a fire upon Moab” where we read:

But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:

The verse begins, “But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth:” Amos began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “I will send” or “stretch out, extend, direct and let loose” “a fire” which refers to “flames and supernatural fire” “upon Moab” which means “of his father” and was “the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot”, “and it shall devour” or “eat up, burn and consume” “the palaces” which means “citadels, castles and fortresses” “of Kerioth” which means “cities” and was “a town in the southern district of Judah or Moab”. When God's “supernatural fire” fell upon “Moab” their “fortresses and citadels” within “Kerioth” would be destroyed.

The verse goes on to say, “and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:” Amos continued, “and Moab” which means “of his father” and was “the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot” “shall die” or “be executed, be killed or put to death” “with tumult” which means “roaring, crashing and uproar”, “with shouting” or “alarm, sound of tempest, showing or blasting”, “and with the sound” which refers to “voice and noise” “of the trumpet” which was the “showphar” and was a “horn or ram's horn”. The final result of “the LORD's” judgment would be initiated by the “roaring and crashing” “loud noise” which the “alarm” of the “showphar” would bring upon them.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see the ominous power of the LORD's “supernatural fire”. Nothing on earth would prevent God's “punishment” upon “Moab” once His alarm sounded. We should realize the power of the Almighty, and insure we trust His Son Jesus Christ who is the “Lord and Savior” of our souls. Lest we align ourselves against the people of “the LORD” like “Moab”, may we understand His ability to bring “supernatural fire” upon anyone who opposes those whom He highly regards.

Next time we see how God will “cut off the judge of Moab”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Judgment Against Moab Amos 2:1

As we completed the first chapter of Amos' prophesy, we saw how God would “kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind” which would also lead “their king” to go “into captivity, he and his princes together, says the LORD”. In chapter two and verse one of his prophesy, Amos pronounced God's judgment against the people of “Moab” where we read:

Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;” Amos began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”; “For three transgressions” or “the three or a triad of rebellions and willful sins” “of Moab” which means “of his father” and was “the land inhabited by the descendants of the son of Lot”, “and for four” or “four transgressions”, “I will not turn away” or “the LORD will not return, turn back, refresh, restore or repair” “the punishment thereof” which means “the treading out, trampling on or being broken and torn”. “The LORD” was to bring judgment upon the people of “Moab” because of their “four transgressions” against His people.

The verse continues, “because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:” Amos added, “Because he burned” which means “since and on account of he kindled and set on fire” “the bones” or “the firmness and skeletal strength” “of the king” which was “royal ruler” “of Edom” which means “red” and was “land of Edom, Idumea which encompassed the land south and south east of Palestine” “into lime” which refers to “whitewashed plaster or seed”. The people of “Moab” were so cruel they took the leader of “Edom” and burned his body which made his bones be like “whitewashed” seed.

When we meditate upon these words of Amos, we see how “Moab”, which is modern day “central western Jordan”, was to be judged by “the LORD” for their “four transgressions” against “Edom”. Not only did they attack the people themselves, but also “Edom's” “king” whose “bones” they burned and made “into lime”. We must remember, God will take vengeance upon those whom He will, and whenever people find themselves in opposition to Him, they will be judged. Jesus Christ came into the world to save people who are already “condemned”, and if we align ourselves with Jesus Christ which is God's remedy for judgment, we shall never find ourselves in the state “Moab”.

Next time we see how God will “send a fire upon Moab”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Judgment Upon Ammon's King Amos 1:15

Amos the “herdsman” prophet pronounced judgment from the LORD upon the enemies of Israel and Judah. Among them were, “Damascus, Aven, Syria, Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, the remnant of the Philistines, Edom, Tyrus and Ammon”, and as we close the first chapter of Amos' prophesy, we see how he shared that Ammon's “ruler” and “his men”would also be “exiled” as the LORD judged them, where we read:

And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the LORD.

The verse begins, “And their king shall go into captivity,...” Amos began with the words, “And their king” which refers to “the people of Ammon's royal one” “shall go” or “depart, proceed, move and go away” “into captivity” which means “into exile and removing”. The result of God “kindling a fire in the wall of Rabbah” (the capital city of Ammon) was their “chief ruler” would be “exiled”.

The verse continues, “...he and his princes together, says the LORD.” Amos added, “he and his princes” which refers to “the king and his leaders, chiefs, officials, vassals, nobles and officials” “together” which means “all in union and unitedness”, “says” or “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”. Not only would the “king” be “exiled” when God's judgment came, so would all those who sat under his leadership.

When we consider these words of Amos, we see how expansive the judgment of “the LORD” is when He brings it. Not only would the land and people be affected by God's “punishment”, so would the “ruler” and those in authority. Jesus told Pilate, “you could have no power at all against me, except it were given to you from above”, and anyone who is in a position of authority should note the results for those who have come against God Almighty, His Son Jesus and His people. May we all heed and be humble before the LORD when we have been given “authority” lest we be like the captive “king and his men”.

Next time we begin a new chapter in Amos' prophesy and see him share how God will punish “Moab”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Fire in the Wall of Rabbah Amos 1:14

Amos continued to share the judgments of God against those who opposed and battled against His beloved Israel and Judah. Among His foes were the people of Ammon, and in chapter one and verse fourteen of his prophesy, Amos declares vengeance in the form of “fire” against “the wall of Rabbah” which was Ammon's capital city. We read:

But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

The verse begins, “But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof,” Amos began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “I will kindle” or “burn and make desolate” “a fire” which means “flames and supernatural fire” “in the wall” or “protective wall” “of Rabbah” which means “great” and was “the capital city of the Ammonites which was located east of the Jordan”, “and it shall devour” or “eat, burn up and consume” “the palaces thereof” which refers to “citadels and fortresses within”. Once again the LORD will bring His “devouring” “flames and supernatural” upon the city called “Rabbah” which was the Ammonites capital city.

The verse goes on to say, “with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:” Amos continued, “with shouting” or “alarm, signal, the sound of tempest and blast of war” “in the day” which refers to “time, year and period” “of battle” or “war and fighting with warriors”, “with a tempest” which means “storm and whirlwind” “in the day” or “time, year and period” “of the whirlwind” which means “tempest and storm”. Not only would the LORD bring His “flames and supernatural fire” upon the protective “wall of Rabbah”, He will “shout” as in the day of war and would include a “tempest and storm” against them.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see “the LORD” coming against the enemies of Israel and Judah. Specifically the capital city of Ammon, “Rabbah”, was to be targeted by His vengeance. God has no difficulty coming against those who are His people, and if we are wise, we will align ourselves with His Son Jesus Christ and never oppose people whom He claims. May He give us wisdom and understanding to know the importance of being on His side, and we should never be in opposition to those whom He loves.

Next time Amos shares how God “will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Judgment of Ammon Amos 1:13

The enemies of Israel and Judah had taken cruel advantage of them, and Amos was commissioned to declare God's judgment against those foes. “Damascus, Aven, Syria, Gaza, Tyrus, Edom and Teman” were all opponents to the people of God, and God was to take His vengeance out upon them. In chapter one and verse thirteen of his prophesy, Amos added the judgment of “Ammon” to His list of those who were His enemies where we read:

Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;” Amos began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, proclaims and declares” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”; “for three transgressions” or “the three or a triad of rebellions and willful sins” “of the children” or “sons or grandsons” “of Ammon” which means “tribal” and was “a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”, “and for four” which means “four transgressions”, “I will not turn away” or “the LORD will not return, turn back, refresh, restore or repair” “the punishment thereof” which means “the treading out, trampling on or being broken and torn”. “The LORD” would not “relent” of the judgment He planed for “the children of Ammon” because of their “four transgressions” against Him.

The verse goes on to say, “ because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:” Amos continued, “because” or “since, by reason or account of” “they have ripped up” or “split, cleaved, broken, opened, divided and torn” “the women” which refers to “the females” “with child” or “pregnant and those who have conceived” “of Gilead” which means “rocky region” and was “a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon”, “that they might enlarge” or “to grow wide and large” “their border” which means “territory or region which is enclosed within a boundary”. Ammon's sins were related to killing vulnerable and pregnant women so they could expand their territory into the land of “Gilead”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we realize how ruthless some people can be. The people of Ammon were pitiless and unmerciful even with women who were with child as they took over the land of “Gilead”, and all because they wanted more land. We are amazed what people will forfeit just to have more “stuff” or “things”. Thieves and robbers steal from others who are vulnerable just because they desire to please themselves, and they have no compassion upon those they hurt. Jesus Christ wants us to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and we are to be compassionate toward others and not use them for our own devises. May the LORD God lead us into a life that is pleasing to Him, to not be like selfish Ammon, and learn to love others as we love ourselves.

Next time Amos shares how God “will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Fire upon Teman Amos 1:12

Amos the “herdsman” was commissioned by “the LORD” to pronounce judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah which included “Damascus, Aven, Syria, Gaza, Tyrus, and Edom”. In chapter one and verse twelve of his prophecy, Amos declared how the LORD will “send a fire on Teman” where we read:

But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.

The verse begins, “But I will send a fire upon Teman,...” Amos began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “I will send” or “stretch out, extend, direct and let loose” “a fire” which means “flames and supernatural fire” “upon Teman” which means “south” and was “the tribe descended from one noted for the wisdom of its people”. “The LORD” was to “direct and let loose” His “flames and supernatural fire” upon “Teman” whose inhabitants were against His people.

The verse goes on to say, “...which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.” Amos continued, “which shall devour” or “burn up, consume and destroy” “the palaces” which means “citadels, castles and palaces” “of Bozrah” which means “sheepfold” and was “a town in Edom”. The results of “The LORD's” “flames and supernatural fire” would be the “destruction” of “Bozrah”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we see once again the judgment that is brought upon those who oppose the people of “the LORD”. We must align ourselves with the ways of Jesus Christ, and any variance from this may be in total opposition to God Himself. It is interesting to consider that the people from “Teman” must have thought themselves doing good when they opposed God's people, but they only brought upon themselves the judgment of God. Let us consider our ways and discover whether we have come against Jesus Christ and God's people in any way, and if we have, let us repent before His “flames and supernatural fire” fall upon us as well.

Next time Amos shares how God will judgment upon “Ammon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Judgment Against Edom Amos 1:11

Amos the prophet continued to share the LORD's judgments upon the enemies of Israel and Judah which included, “Damascus, Aven, Syria, Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron and the remnant of the Philistines”. He also shared concerning “Tyrus”, and as we read in chapter one and verse eleven of his prophesy, he wrote about the judgment of “Edom”.

Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;” Amos began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, proclaims and declares” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the one true God”; “for three transgressions” or “the three or a triad of rebellions and willful sins” “of Edom” which means “red” and was “the descendants of Esau in the land of Idumea which was south and south east of Palestine”, “and for four” which means “four transgressions”, “I will not turn away” or “the LORD will not return, turn back, refresh, restore or repair” “the punishment thereof” which means “the treading out, trampling on or being broken and torn”. “The LORD” would not “relent” of the judgment He planed for “Edom” because of their “four transgressions” against Him.

The verse goes on to say, “because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:” Amos continued, “because he did pursue” which means “follow after, pursue, persecute, run after, chase and harass” “his brother” or “relatives and kinship ” “with the sword” which refers to “a knife or tool for cutting”, “and did cast off” or “destroy, corrupt, ruin, spoiled and rotted” “all pity” which means “compassion, cherishing, mercy and tender love” “and his anger” or “the wrinkled face, countenance, forbearing and rapid breathing” and ” “did tear” which means “rend, pluck and to be torn in pieces” “perpetually” or “for perpetuity, forever and in the continuing future”, “and he kept” or “guarding, observing and giving heed to” “his wrath” which means “outpouring, overflow, excess, fury, arrogance and rage” “for ever” or “in eminence, strength, victory, enduring and everlastingness”. The “four transgressions” of “Edom” were “pursuing Israel and Judah with the sword”, “perpetual anger that tore them in pieces”, not having compassion upon them and being “arrogantly excessive in rage” against them.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see the sins of “Edom” who were the relatives of Israel and Judah. They should have had compassion and pity upon them, but they didn't, and rather than giving them aid, they became enemies themselves. Those who come against the people of God and Jesus Christ should beware when they read this verse. Though the “wrath” of “the LORD” is kept back by His loving nature for a long time, when it is poured out, those who have opposed Him shall reap their reward. We must keep ourselves in the love of God and in a relationship with His Son Jesus, and lest we gain the results of “Edom”, may we always align ourselves with Him, His people and His dear Son Jesus.

Next time Amos shares how God will “send a fire upon Teman”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Fire on the Wall of Tyrus Amos 1:10

As Amos the “herdsman” prophet of God continued to proclaim judgments against cities and people who opposed Israel and Judah, he included “Tyrus” as one of those enemies. In chapter one and verse ten of his prophesy, Amos shared how “the LORD” would “send a fire on the wall of Tyrus” where we read:

But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof.

The verse begins, “But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus,...” Amos began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written, “moreover, nevertheless or nonetheless” “I will send” or “stretch out, extend, direct and let loose” “a fire” which refers to “flames and supernatural fire” “on the wall” or “the protecting wall” “of Tyrus” which means “a rock” and was “the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast”. The LORD vowed to “let loose” a fire upon the protecting “wall” of the city of Tyrus.

The verse continues, “...which shall devour the palaces thereof.” Amos added, “which shall devour” or “burn up, eat, consume and destroy” “the palaces” which refers to “citadels and fortresses” “thereof” or “within them”. When the LORD sent His “fire”, the results would be total destruction and elimination of all the protecting structures upon which the people of “Tyrus” relied.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see the specific judgment predicted upon “Tyrus”. The people of “Tyrus” aided both the Assyrians and the Babylonians in the captivity and exile of Israel and Judah. “Tyrus” turned them over to the Edomites who were also the enemies of Israel, and God was observing their wicked behavior. We should never be in opposition to the people of God when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. The LORD will bring judgment those who are aiding enemies who destroy God's people. May we rely upon the Holy Spirit of God to lead and guide us to live like Jesus who brought blessings upon the burdened ones in this world.

Next time Amos shares how God will judge “Edom” for their “four transgressions”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Transgressions of Tyrus Amos 1:9

Amos the prophet was commissioned by the LORD to pronounce judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah. After stating the vengeance that would be spread to “Damascus, Avan, Syria and Gaza”, he also included “ Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron and the remnant of the Philistines” among those who would be “cut off”. In chapter one and verse nine of his prophesy, Amos turned his attention toward “Tyrus” and the judgment that was pronounced upon them where we read:

Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

The verse begins, “Thus says the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof;” Amos began with the words, “Thus says” or “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah and is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”; “For three transgressions” which means “the three or a triad of rebellions and willful sins” “of Tyrus” which means “a rock” and was “the Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast”, “and for four” or “four transgressions”, “I will not turn away” which means “the LORD will not return, turn back, refresh, restore or repair” “the punishment thereof” or “the treading out, trampling on or being broken and torn”. Amos' warning was against the land of “Tyrus” which committed “four transgressions” against Israel and Judah.

The verse goes on to say, “because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:” Amos continued, “because they delivered up the whole captivity” which is all the Hebrew word “cagar” and means “to shut, close up and imprison the people within Israel and Judah” “to Edom” which means “red” and was “the land of Idumea which was south and southeast of Palestine”, “and remembered” or “called to mind, mentioned and made a memorial” “not the brotherly” which means “relative, kinship and resemblance” “covenant” or “alliance, pledge and league”. Amos revealed how “Tyrus” was also guilty of turning the people of Israel and Judah over to the land of “Edom” even though “Edom” was the latter name for “Esau” who was the brother of Jacob who became Israel.

When we meditate upon these words of Amos, we see another example of people who were destined to receive the judgment of “the LORD” because they opposed Israel and Judah. “Tyrus” was guilty of leading the people who were exiled into the oppressive control of “Edom”, and they may have thought themselves justified in doing so. Their mistake was to underestimate that God Almighty was watching, and He demonstrated how opposing His people is a bad idea. Jesus Christ is God's Son, and if “the LORD” came to the aid of the people who were oppressed by “Tyrus”, how much more shall He come against those who have opposed His Son?

Next time Amos shares how God will send “fire on the wall of Tyrus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.