Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them. Though they hide themselves atop CarmelMount Carmel is a significant geographical location in Israel, known for its lush vegetation and strategic height. In biblical history, it is the site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). The reference to hiding atop Carmel suggests an attempt to escape divine judgment by seeking refuge in a place of natural strength and beauty. This phrase emphasizes the futility of trying to escape God's omnipresence and judgment, as even the most fortified and remote locations cannot shield one from His reach. there I will track them and seize them
This phrase underscores God's omniscience and omnipotence. The imagery of God tracking and seizing those who hide reflects His role as a divine hunter who cannot be eluded. It conveys the certainty of divine justice and the impossibility of escaping accountability. This is consistent with other scriptures that affirm God's ability to see all actions and intentions (Psalm 139:7-12). and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea
The sea, often seen as a place of chaos and mystery in ancient Near Eastern culture, represents the ultimate attempt to escape. The idea of hiding at the bottom of the sea suggests going to extreme lengths to avoid divine scrutiny. This reflects the belief that no depth or distance can separate one from God's presence, as echoed in Psalm 139:9-10. there I will command the serpent to bite them
The serpent is a symbol of danger and judgment. In biblical literature, serpents often represent evil or instruments of divine punishment (Genesis 3, Numbers 21:6). The command for the serpent to bite those hiding at the sea's bottom illustrates God's control over creation and His ability to use it to execute judgment. This imagery reinforces the theme of inescapable divine retribution and serves as a warning of the consequences of sin. Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver messages of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel. 2. CarmelA mountain range in Israel known for its lush vegetation and strategic significance. It symbolizes a place of refuge and hiding. 3. The SeaRepresents the depths and vastness of creation, often seen as a place of chaos and mystery in ancient Near Eastern thought. 4. The SerpentA creature often associated with danger and judgment, symbolizing God's ability to reach and punish even in hidden places. 5. God's OmnipresenceThe central theme of this verse, highlighting God's ability to see and act everywhere, regardless of human attempts to hide. Teaching Points God's OmnipresenceWe cannot hide from God, whether in physical locations or in the depths of our hearts. His presence is everywhere, and He knows all. AccountabilityOur actions, whether public or private, are seen by God. We are accountable to Him for our choices and behaviors. God's JusticeGod's ability to reach us even in hidden places assures us that His justice will prevail. We cannot escape the consequences of our actions. Repentance and RestorationWhile this passage speaks of judgment, it also serves as a call to repentance. God desires that we turn back to Him and seek His forgiveness. Trust in God's SovereigntyIn times of fear or uncertainty, we can trust in God's sovereign control over all creation. He is present and active in every situation. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of hiding on Mount Carmel or in the sea illustrate the futility of trying to escape from God? 2. In what ways does understanding God's omnipresence impact your daily life and decision-making? 3. How can the concept of God's justice, as seen in Amos 9:3, encourage you to live a life of integrity and accountability? 4. Reflect on a time when you tried to hide something from God. How did this passage challenge or change your perspective? 5. How can you apply the lessons of God's omnipresence and justice to encourage others in your community or church? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 139This psalm speaks of God's omnipresence and omniscience, emphasizing that there is no place where one can flee from God's presence. Jeremiah 23God declares that He fills heaven and earth, reinforcing the idea that no one can hide from Him. Job 34Elihu speaks of God's ability to see all human actions, underscoring His justice and omnipresence. Jonah 1Jonah's attempt to flee from God's presence illustrates the futility of trying to escape God's reach. People Amos, Aram, Assyrians, Cushites, David, Ethiopians, Jacob, SyriansPlaces Caphtor, Carmel, Edom, Egypt, Kir, Nile RiverTopics Bed, Bite, Bitten, Bottom, Carmel, Command, Conceal, Cover, Floor, Hid, Hide, Hunt, Orders, Search, Seize, Serpent, Sight, Snake, Summit, Themselves, Thence, ThoughDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 9:3 4266 sea
4687 snake
5132 biting
5342 hunting Amos 9:1-4 1310 God, as judge Amos 9:2-3 1110 God, present everywhere Amos 9:3-4 8404 commands, in OT Library A Revival Sermon
But, my dear friends, while this promise will doubtless be carried out, and every word of it shall be verified, so that the hill-tops of that country shall again bear the vine, and the land shall flow with wine, yet, I take it, this is more fully a spiritual than a temporal promise; and I think that the beginning of its fulfilment is now to be discerned, and we shall see the Lord's good hand upon us, so that is ploughman shall overtake the reaper, the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all he hills …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860The Prophecy of Obadiah.
We need not enter into details regarding the question as to the time when the prophet wrote. By a thorough argumentation, Caspari has proved, that he occupies his right position in the Canon, and hence belongs to the earliest age of written prophecy, i.e., to the time of Jeroboam II. and Uzziah. As bearing conclusively against those who would assign to him a far later date, viz., the time of the exile, there is not only the indirect testimony borne by the place which this prophecy occupies in …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Letter ix. Meditation.
"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15. MY DEAR SISTER: The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God. Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and example; and concerning which, let us observe, 1. Its importance. That God has required it, ought to …
Harvey Newcomb—A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females 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 Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Doctrine of the Last Things.
A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. B. THE RESURRECTION. C. THE JUDGMENT. D. THE DESTINY OF THE WICKED. E. THE REWARD OF THE RIGHTEOUS. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS. Under this caption are treated such doctrines as the Second Coming of Christ, the Resurrection of both the righteous and wicked, the Judgments, Final Awards, and Eternal Destiny. A. THE SECOND COMING OF CHEIST. I. ITS IMPORTANCE. 1. PROMINENCE IN THE SCRIPTURES. 2. THE CHRISTIAN HOPE. 3. THE CHRISTIAN INCENTIVE. 4. THE CHRISTIAN COMFORT. …
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible Baptism
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them,' &c. Matt 28: 19. I. The way whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemptions, is, in the use of the sacraments. What are the sacraments in general? They are visible signs of invisible grace. Is not the word of God sufficient to salvation? What need then is there of sacraments? We must not be wise above what is written. It is God's will that his church …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Links Amos 9:3 NIVAmos 9:3 NLTAmos 9:3 ESVAmos 9:3 NASBAmos 9:3 KJV
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