A Fire Upon Judah Amos 2:5

As Amos the “herdsman” prophet continued to pronounce God's judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah, he turned his attention toward “Judah” itself. The people of “Judah” had forsaken the commandments of the LORD and His ways, and He was to “punish” them for it. In chapter two and verse five of his prophesy, Amos shared how the LORD would “send a fire upon Judah” where we read:

But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.

The verse begins, “But I will send a fire upon Judah,...” 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 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”. “The LORD” was to “direct and let loose” His “flames and supernatural fire” upon “Judah” whose inhabitants were against Him and His commandments.

The verse continues, “...and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.” Amos continued, “and it shall devour” or “burn up, consume and destroy” “the palaces” which means “citadels, castles and palaces” “of Jerusalem” which means “teaching of peace” and was “the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”. The results of “The LORD's” “flames and supernatural fire” would be the “destruction” of the city of “Jerusalem”

When we consider these words of Amos, we see how not only would “Judah” be judged by the LORD, but the main city of “Jerusalem” would fall prey as well. When people violate the law of God, forsake His ways, and turn to their own paths rather than choosing to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, God's judgment will fall. We should not assume that God's long-suffering and temperance with people means that He ignores, doesn't see or condones those who oppose Him. Jesus Christ came to demonstrate the patience and grace of “the LORD”, and those who are wise will yield their lives to Him. Those who are foolish are sure to know a similar “fire” to that which came upon Judah.

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

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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