This is what the LORD says: "For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and stifled all compassion; his anger raged continually, and his fury flamed incessantly. This is what the LORD saysThis phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "YHWH," the covenant name of God, underscoring His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction sets the tone for a message that is not merely a human opinion but a divine decree, demanding attention and reverence. For three transgressions of Edom, even for four
This expression is a Hebrew idiom used to indicate a fullness or completeness of sin. The number three signifies completeness, and adding "even for four" intensifies the idea, suggesting an overflow of iniquity. Edom, descendants of Esau, are historically known for their enmity with Israel, descendants of Jacob. This phrase highlights the persistent and escalating nature of Edom's sins against their kin. I will not revoke My wrath
The Hebrew root for "revoke" implies a sense of turning back or relenting. God's decision to not revoke His wrath indicates a settled judgment. It reflects His justice and righteousness, as He cannot overlook sin. This phrase serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of divine judgment when repentance is absent. because he pursued his brother with the sword
The term "brother" refers to the close kinship between Edom (Esau) and Israel (Jacob). The use of "sword" symbolizes violence and warfare. Historically, Edom's hostility towards Israel is well-documented, and this phrase underscores the betrayal and aggression against familial bonds, which God finds particularly grievous. stifling all compassion
The Hebrew word for "compassion" is often associated with mercy and tender love. To "stifle" compassion indicates a deliberate suppression of natural affection and empathy. This phrase highlights the moral decay in Edom, as they chose cruelty over compassion, violating the ethical expectations of kinship and humanity. his anger raged continually
The word "raged" conveys a sense of intense, uncontrolled emotion. The adverb "continually" suggests a persistent, unrelenting state. This phrase paints a picture of Edom's enduring hostility and bitterness, which fueled their actions against Israel. It serves as a warning against allowing anger to take root and grow unchecked. and his fury flamed incessantly
"Fury" denotes a fierce, burning wrath, and "flamed" evokes imagery of a consuming fire. The term "incessantly" implies an unending, relentless nature. This phrase emphasizes the destructive power of unchecked rage and the consuming nature of sin. It serves as a cautionary tale of how harboring anger can lead to one's downfall and divine judgment. Persons / Places / Events 1. EdomA nation descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob (Israel). Historically, Edom had a tumultuous relationship with Israel, often characterized by hostility and conflict. 2. EsauThe ancestor of the Edomites, Esau was the elder twin brother of Jacob. The enmity between Esau and Jacob is a foundational account in the Bible, symbolizing the ongoing conflict between their descendants. 3. AmosA prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos was called by God to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel. His messages often included judgments against surrounding nations, including Edom. 4. IsraelThe nation descended from Jacob, often in conflict with Edom. The relationship between Israel and Edom is a recurring theme in the Old Testament. 5. The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who speaks through the prophet Amos to pronounce judgment on Edom for their transgressions. Teaching Points The Consequences of Unchecked AngerThe passage highlights the destructive nature of anger and the importance of controlling one's emotions. Unchecked anger can lead to actions that have severe consequences, both personally and communally. The Importance of CompassionEdom's lack of compassion towards their brother nation, Israel, is a key reason for their judgment. This serves as a reminder of the Christian call to love and show mercy, even to those we may consider adversaries. Divine Justice and AccountabilityGod's judgment on Edom underscores the principle that nations and individuals are held accountable for their actions. This encourages believers to live righteously and justly, knowing that God sees and judges all. The Dangers of Holding GrudgesThe historical enmity between Edom and Israel illustrates the destructive power of long-held grudges. Christians are called to forgive and seek reconciliation, following the example of Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the historical relationship between Esau and Jacob help us understand the conflict between Edom and Israel? 2. In what ways can unchecked anger manifest in our lives today, and how can we address it biblically? 3. How does the lack of compassion in Edom's actions serve as a warning for us in our interactions with others? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are living justly and righteously in light of God's judgment? 5. How can the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in the New Testament help us overcome grudges and conflicts in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23-34The account of Esau and Jacob, highlighting the beginning of the conflict between their descendants, Edom and Israel. Obadiah 1:10-14A parallel prophecy against Edom, emphasizing their violence against their brother Jacob and the resulting divine judgment. Psalm 137:7A lament that recalls Edom's role in the destruction of Jerusalem, further illustrating their hostility towards Israel. Ezekiel 25:12-14Another prophecy against Edom, underscoring the theme of divine retribution for their actions against Israel. People Amos, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Hazael, Jehoash, Jeroboam, Joash, Teman, UzziahPlaces Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beth-eden, Bozrah, Carmel, Damascus, Edom, Ekron, Gaza, Gilead, Jerusalem, Kir, Rabbah, Syria, Tekoa, Teman, Tyre, Valley of Aven, ZionTopics Anger, Angry, Brother, Burning, Cast, Changed, Compassion, Continually, Crimes, Destroyed, Edom, Fate, Flamed, Forever, Fury, Kept, Maintained, Mercies, Perpetually, Pity, Punishment, Pursue, Pursued, Pursuing, Raged, Reverse, Revoke, Says, Sentence, Sins, Stifled, Stifling, Sword, Tear, Thereof, Thus, Tore, Transgressions, Turn, Unchecked, Wrath, Yea, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 1:11 1656 numbers, combinations
5809 compassion, human
5964 temper
5972 unkindness
7530 foreigners
8739 evil, examples of
8791 oppression, nature of Amos 1:11-12 6691 mercy, human Library The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old TestamentThe River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Whether, in Prophetic Revelation, New Species of Things are Impressed on the Prophet's Mind, or Merely a New Light?
Objection 1: It would seem that in prophetic revelation no new species of things are impressed on the prophet's mind, but only a new light. For a gloss of Jerome on Amos 1:2 says that "prophets draw comparisons from things with which they are conversant." But if prophetic vision were effected by means of species newly impressed, the prophet's previous experience of things would be inoperative. Therefore no new species are impressed on the prophet's soul, but only the prophetic light. Objection 2: …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether a Natural Disposition is Requisite for Prophecy?
Objection 1: It would seem that a natural disposition is requisite for prophecy. For prophecy is received by the prophet according to the disposition of the recipient, since a gloss of Jerome on Amos 1:2, "The Lord will roar from Sion," says: "Anyone who wishes to make a comparison naturally turns to those things of which he has experience, and among which his life is spent. For example, sailors compare their enemies to the winds, and their losses to a shipwreck. In like manner Amos, who was a shepherd, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 25.) Differently to be admonished are those who do not understand aright the words of the sacred Law, and those who understand them indeed aright, but speak them not humbly. For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished to consider that they turn for themselves a most wholesome drought of wine into a cup of poison, and with a medicinal knife inflict on themselves a mortal wound, when they destroy in themselves what was sound by that whereby they ought, …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Links Amos 1:11 NIVAmos 1:11 NLTAmos 1:11 ESVAmos 1:11 NASBAmos 1:11 KJV
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