As Amos, “the herdsman
of Tekoa” shared his prophesy, he included the LORD's judgment
against “Damascus” who committed “four
transgressions” against Him. In chapter one and verse four of
his prophesy, Amos shared about the LORD bringing “fire into the
house of Hazael” and devouring “the palaces of Benhadad”
where we read:
The
verse begins, “But I will send a fire into the house of
Hazael,...” 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, “moreover, nonetheless
or nevertheless” “I will send” or “stretch out,
extend, direct and let loose” “a fire” which means
“flames and supernatural fire” “into the house” or
“dwelling, habitation, shelter or abode” “of Hazael” which
means “one who sees God” and was “a king of Syria who was sent
by his master, Benhadad, to the prophet Elisha, to seek a remedy for
Benhadad's leprosy and apparently later killed Benahadad, assumed the
throne and soon afterwards became engaged in a war with the kings of
Judah and Israel for the possession of the city of Ramoth-Gilead”.
“The LORD” was to take vengeance upon “Hazael”
who fought against His people.
The
verse goes on to say, “...which shall devour the palaces
of Benhadad.” Amos continued, “which shall devour”
or “eat, burn up, consume, slay and destroy” “the palaces”
which means “the citadels and fortresses” “of Benhadad”
which means “son of the false god Hadad” and was “the king of
Syria who was contemporary with Asa of Judah”. Not only would “the
LORD” send “fiery” judgment, but He would also “consume
and destroy” the “fortresses” of previous monarchies.
When we
think through these words of Amos, we see clearly that which Paul the
apostle stated in the book of Romans in chapter twelve and verse
nineteen, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay says the Lord”.
Amos' proclamation of judgment against “Hazael” and
“Benhadad” was an example of the Lord bringing revenge
upon His enemies. Though these two entities thought themselves in
proper position against Judah and Israel, they soon learned they were
not. Those who oppose a relationship with Jesus Christ put themselves
in a similar position. Jesus Christ welcomes anyone to receive Him as
Savior and Lord, but should they resist His offer, they shall find
Him a mighty judge who will bring “fire” and “destruction”
upon them. Let us beware of the two positions of God and crown Him
Lord and Savior before we know Him as the one who brings terror and
vengeance.
Next
time Amos
shares how God will bring judgment upon “Damascus,
Aven and Syria”,
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.
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