Judgment on the Nations and Judah
Amos 1:1-2:5
Amo.1.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- עמוס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בנקדים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מתקוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- חזה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- עזיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובימי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יואש: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שנתים: NOUN,f,du,abs
- לפני: PREP
- הרעש: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Isaiah 1:1 (structural): Both verses are prophetic superscriptions that introduce a prophet’s vision/oracle and provide a historical frame (naming the prophet and the reign(s) that date the message).
- Micah 1:1 (structural): Like Amos 1:1, Micah 1:1 gives a short superscription (prophet’s home-town—Moresheth—and the contemporaneous kings), paralleling the Minor Prophets’ introductory formula and local origin (Tekoa/Moresheth).
- Hosea 1:1 (verbal): Hosea’s opening uses the same prophetic-intro formula and similarly dates the prophecy to the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam son of Joash, directly paralleling the historical framing in Amos 1:1.
- Amos 4:11 (allusion): Amos 1:1’s reference to “two years before the earthquake” is echoed within Amos 4:11, where an earthquake is explicitly named as an act of divine judgment—an internal cross-reference to the seismic event mentioned in the superscription.
Alternative generated candidates
- The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—visions he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel—two years before the earthquake.
- The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—he who saw visions concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel—two years before the earthquake.
Amo.1.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מציון: PREP+NOUN,prop,sg,abs
- ישאג: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- ומירושלם: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,prop,f,sg,abs
- יתן: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,sg
- קולו: NOUN,m,sg,poss3ms
- ואבלו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- נאות: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- הרעים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ויבש: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכרמל: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Joel 3:16 (verbal): Nearly identical wording — 'The LORD roars/out of Zion, he utters his voice from Jerusalem,' a direct verbal parallel about divine proclamation from Zion.
- Hosea 11:10 (verbal): Uses the roar imagery of God ('he will roar like a lion')—similar metaphor of divine roaring that evokes judgment and fear.
- Psalm 29:3-9 (thematic): The frequent theme of 'the voice of the LORD' affecting nature (thunder, breaking cedars, causing upheaval) parallels Amos' image of God's voice issuing from Zion and impacting the land.
- 1 Kings 18:41-46 (allusion): Mentions Mount Carmel and a drought/rain motif; Amos' withering of Carmel alludes to prophetic traditions about Carmel's environment and divine control over fertility and drought.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the LORD will roar from Zion and give forth his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds will mourn, and the top of Carmel will wither.
- Thus the LORD shall roar from Zion, and from Jerusalem he will give forth his voice; the pastures of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.
Amo.1.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- דמשק: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- דושם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחרצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הברזל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Amos 1:6 (verbal): Same prophetic refrain (“For three transgressions... and for four”) introducing judgment on Tyre; repeats the structural formula and pattern of enumerated sins and pronouncement of punishment.
- Amos 1:11 (verbal): Another instance of the identical refrain used against the people of Ammon; parallels the rhetorical formula and accuses a neighboring nation of violent wrongdoing.
- Amos 1:13 (verbal): Uses the same “three transgressions... and for four” refrain against Moab, continuing the series of oracle‑judgments that Amos pronounces in identical stylistic form.
- Amos 2:6 (thematic): Applies the same refrain to Israel (or Judah, depending on reading) and develops the theme of divine punishment for social injustice and violence, paralleling Amos 1:3’s charge and rationale for judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they threshed Gilead with iron implements.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not relent—because they thresh Gilead with iron sledges.
Amo.1.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- חזאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 8:11-12 (allusion): Elisha predicts Hazael’s future violence and Hazael subsequently kills Ben‑hadad—background historical episode behind Amos’s oracle against the house of Hazael/Ben‑Hadad.
- 2 Kings 13:3-7 (allusion): Narrates Israel’s suffering under Aramean attacks in the period of Hazael’s dominance, providing historical context for Amos’s judgment on Aram/Syria.
- Amos 1:6 (verbal): Uses the same prophetic formula (“I will send a fire… and it shall devour the palaces”) in the oracles against neighboring nations, showing a recurring rhetorical and judgment motif in Amos.
- Isaiah 17:1-3 (thematic): A prophetic oracle announcing the destruction of Damascus; thematically parallels Amos’s announcement of divine judgment on Damascus/Aram and its ruling house.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in the house of Hazael, and it shall devour the palaces of Ben‑hadad.
- I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, and it shall devour the palaces of Ben‑Hadad.
Amo.1.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושברתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- בריח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דמשק: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- והכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,ms,sg
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- מבקעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותומך: CONJ+VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עדן: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- וגלו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קירה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 16:9 (verbal): Reports the Assyrian capture of Damascus and carrying its people to Kir—parallel to Amos' announcement that the people of Aram will go into captivity to Kir.
- Isaiah 17:1-3 (thematic): Prophecy of Damascus being removed from being a city and its inhabitants taken away, thematically echoing Amos' judgment against Damascus.
- Jeremiah 49:23-27 (thematic): Oracle against Damascus (Aram) announcing destruction and exile, closely paralleling Amos' denunciation of Damascus and its people.
- Zechariah 9:1-2 (allusion): Mentions Hadrach and Damascus in a prophetic context; connects to the prophetic tradition of oracles concerning Damascus/Aram.
- Amos 1:3 (structural): An adjacent verse in the same prophetic series using the same formula of divine judgment on nations (For three transgressions...), showing the structural pattern underlying Amos 1:5.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will break the gate‑bars of Damascus, cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven, and the one who holds the scepter from Beth‑eden; the people of Aram shall go into exile to Kir, says the LORD.
- I will break the gate bar of Damascus, cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven, and the one who wields the scepter from Beth‑Eden; and the people of Aram shall go captive to Kir, says the LORD.
Amo.1.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- עזה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הגלותם: NOUN,f,sg,def+3,m,pl
- גלות: NOUN,f,sg,const
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- להסגיר: VERB,hif,inf
- לאדום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Amos 2:1 (structural): Uses the same prophetic formula 'For three transgressions... and for four' to introduce judgment (here against Moab), showing the rhetorical pattern Amos employs in the opening oracles.
- Obadiah 1:11–14 (allusion): Condemns Edom for participating in or rejoicing over the downfall of Judah and handing over their brothers to the enemy—directly parallels Amos's accusation that Gaza delivered up a whole captivity to Edom.
- Zephaniah 2:4–7 (thematic): Pronounces exile and desolation on Gaza and other Philistine cities; thematically parallels Amos's judgement on Gaza and the fate of Philistine settlements.
- Ezekiel 25:15–17 (thematic): Announces divine vengeance against the Philistines for their hostile deeds; echoes Amos's theme of punishment against Gaza/Philistia for wrongdoing against Israel.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they carried away a whole captivity to hand them over to Edom.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not relent—because they carried away a whole people to hand them over to Edom.
Amo.1.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בחומת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- עזה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנתיה: NOUN,f,pl,suff
Parallels
- Zechariah 9:5-6 (thematic): Pronounces judgment on Philistine cities including Gaza (Gaza ashamed, Ashkelon fearful), paralleling Amos' targeted condemnation of Gaza.
- Zephaniah 2:4-7 (thematic): Lists Philistine cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron) destined for ruin and loss of territory — a parallel oracle of Philistine destruction.
- Jeremiah 47:5-7 (thematic): Oracle against the Philistines describing devastation of Gaza and surrounding cities; similar imagery of destruction and humiliation as in Amos.
- Ezekiel 25:15-17 (thematic): God's pronouncement of vengeance upon the Philistines—cutting off their remnant—echoes Amos' divine judgment motif against Gaza.
- Nahum 2:13 (verbal): Uses fiery imagery of burning and consuming a city's military/fortifications (‘I will burn her chariots in smoke’) comparable to Amos' 'I will send a fire in the wall... and it shall devour her palaces.'
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in the wall of Gaza, and it shall devour her palaces.
- I will set a fire against the wall of Gaza, and it shall consume her palaces.
Amo.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,ms,sg
- יושב: VERB,qal,ptcp,1,m,sg
- מאשדוד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ותומך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאשקלון: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- והשיבותי: VERB,hif,perf,1,m,sg
- ידי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- על: PREP
- עקרון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואבדו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- שארית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- פלשתים: NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Amos 1:6 (structural): Immediate context in the same prophetic oracle against the Philistines (Gaza); Amos 1:6–8 lists the Philistine cities (Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron) and pronounces analogous judgments.
- Zechariah 9:5-6 (verbal): Names Ashdod, Ashkelon and Ekron and foretells their overthrow—language and city-list closely parallel Amos's condemnation of Philistine cities.
- Zephaniah 2:4-7 (thematic): Pronounces judgment on the Philistine cities (Ashkelon, Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron) and depicts their desolation and loss of sovereignty, echoing Amos's motif of cutting off Philistine remnants.
- Jeremiah 47:1-7 (thematic): Prophecy against the Philistines that names Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ashdod and announces devastation brought by the day of the LORD, paralleling Amos's judgment theme.
- 1 Samuel 5:1-6 (allusion): Narrative account of the ark's capture and divine affliction on Ashdod and Ekron—an early example of divine judgment on Philistine cities that thematically resonates with Amos's denunciation.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod and the ruler from Ashkelon, turn my hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, says the Sovereign LORD.
- I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod and the ruler from Ashkelon; I will turn my hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, says the LORD.
Amo.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- הסגירם: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,sg+3,pl
- גלות: NOUN,f,sg,const
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- לאדום: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- זכרו: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,pl
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Obadiah 1:10-14 (verbal): Direct parallel: accuses Edom of violence against ‘brother Jacob,’ of profiting or rejoicing in Judah’s calamity and thus breaking kinship obligations—echoes ‘delivered up the whole captivity’ and failing to remember the brotherly covenant.
- Ezekiel 25:12-14 (thematic): Oracle against Edom for taking vengeance on Judah and shedding blood of the house of Israel; like Amos it links Edom’s betrayal to imminent divine judgment.
- Psalm 137:7 (thematic): A plea to God to remember Edom’s role at Jerusalem’s fall (‘Raze it...’), reflecting the same memory of Edom’s hostile attitude and rejoicing in Judah’s ruin.
- Jeremiah 49:14-16 (allusion): Prophecy condemning Edom for gladness over Israel/Judah’s misfortune and promising punishment—parallels Amos’s charge of complicity and broken brotherhood.
- Amos 1:11 (structural): Neighboring oracle in the Amos collection explicitly addresses Edom’s pursuit of its brother with the sword and receives judgment—an internal structural parallel reinforcing the theme of fraternal betrayal.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they delivered up a whole captivity to Edom and did not remember the covenant of brotherhood.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not relent—because they handed over a whole captivity to Edom and did not remember the covenant of brotherhood.
Amo.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בחומת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- צר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנתיה: NOUN,f,pl,suff
Parallels
- Amos 1:4 (verbal): Same prophetic formula — "I will send fire upon the wall of..." — used earlier (against Damascus), showing a recurring mode of judgment language in Amos.
- Amos 1:6 (verbal): Parallel use of the exact judgment motif within the same unit: "I will send fire on the wall of Gaza," linking the Tyre oracle to the sequence of city condemnations.
- Ezekiel 26:3-6 (thematic): Ezekiel proclaims the destruction of Tyre by many nations and the despoiling of its walls and ships; shares the theme of divine judgment and the city's ruin (sea-borne attack and devastation).
- Ezekiel 26:18 (thematic): Declares Tyre's ultimate reduction to ruin and 'ashes' before the nations — language and outcome closely matching Amos's image of fire consuming Tyre's palaces.
- Zephaniah 2:4-7 (thematic): Pronounces judgment on Tyre (and Sidon), attacking its commerce and safety; echoes the theme of divine retribution against Phoenician city-states and their fortified wealth.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in the wall of Tyre, and it shall devour her palaces.
- I will set a fire against the wall of Tyre, and it shall consume her palaces.
Amo.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- אדום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- רדפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בחרב: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחיו: NOUN,3,m,sg,abs
- ושחת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רחמיו: NOUN,m,pl,suff3ms
- ויטרף: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,sg
- לעד: ADV
- אפו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff3ms
- ועברתו: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- שמרה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- נצח: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Obadiah 1:10-14 (verbal): Direct oracle against Edom for violence toward his ‘brother’ Israel and profiteering from his downfall; language and themes closely parallel Amos’s charge of pursuing a brother with the sword and showing no mercy.
- Jeremiah 49:7-10 (thematic): Jeremiah’s judgment on Edom condemns rejoicing over Judah’s destruction and promises punishment for violence against the LORD’s people—same theme of reproach for attacking a kin-nation.
- Ezekiel 35:5,15 (verbal): Ezekiel indicts Edom/Mount Seir for ‘perpetual hatred’ and taking possession of a brother’s land; echoes Amos’s language about sustained/everlasting anger and enmity toward Israel.
- Psalm 137:7 (thematic): The psalmist calls God to remember Edom’s role at Jerusalem’s fall (‘Raze it…’), reflecting the tradition that Edom rejoiced over and persecuted Israel—same motif of hostile action against a brother nation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they pursued their brother with the sword and destroyed all compassion; his wrath tore perpetually, and his anger kept enduring.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not relent—because they pursued their brother with the sword and cast off all pity; his fury tore like a predator, and he kept his wrath forever.
Amo.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בתימן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- בצרה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Amos 1:4 (verbal): Uses the identical prophetic formula 'I will send a fire... and it shall devour the palaces' applied here to Damascus—same wording and threat as in 1:12.
- Amos 1:6 (structural): Part of the same Amos sequence of oracles; repeats the 'send a fire... devour the palaces' pattern against neighboring nations (here Gaza), showing a consistent judgment motif.
- Jeremiah 49:7 (thematic): Explicitly names Teman in an oracle against Edom ('Is wisdom no more in Teman?'), linking the place named in Amos 1:12 to prophetic condemnation of Edom.
- Jeremiah 49:13-14 (thematic): Foretells attackers swooping on Bozrah and the desolation of Edom—directly parallels Amos's prediction that fire will consume Bozrah's strongholds.
- Obadiah 1:18 (verbal): Portrays Jacob as a fire and Esau (Edom) as stubble to be kindled and consumed—uses the same fire-devouring imagery to describe Edom's destruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in Teman, and it shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.
- I will set a fire in Teman, and it shall consume the palaces of Bozrah.
Amo.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- בקעם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- הרות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- הגלעד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- למען: PREP
- הרחיב: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- גבולם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3mp
Parallels
- Amos 1:3 (verbal): Uses the identical prophetic formula “For three transgressions... and for four I will not turn away [the punishment],” introducing a nation‑oracle—same verbal framework as in 1:13.
- Amos 2:6 (verbal): The same formula applied to Israel (“For three transgressions... and for four...”)—both verses pair the refrain with a catalog of specific violent/social sins that provoke divine judgment.
- Jeremiah 49:1-6 (thematic): An oracle against the Ammonites condemning their conduct and promising retribution; parallels Amos’s condemnation of Ammon and the motif of divine punishment for their crimes.
- Ezekiel 25:3-7 (thematic): Ezekiel’s pronouncement of judgment on Ammon for gloating over Israel and committing violence—echoes Amos’s charge against Ammon for brutality toward Gilead and the ensuing divine response.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of the sons of Ammon, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead so as to enlarge their border.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four, I will not relent—because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead to enlarge their borders.
Amo.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והצתי: VERB,hiphil,perf,1,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בחומת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- רבה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנותיה: NOUN,f,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- בתרועה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בסער: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- סופה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 49:2 (quotation): Nearly identical prophetic formula about Rabbah—'I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah'—direct verbal parallel in a later oracle against the Ammonites.
- Amos 1:6 (verbal): Same prophetic formula within Amos: God will 'kindle a fire in the wall' of a hostile city (here Gaza), showing the book's repeated, formulaic announcements of fire against city walls and palaces.
- Nahum 3:8-10 (thematic): Imagery of a fortified city whose defenses and palaces are broken and consumed—the theme of divine judgment through the destruction of walls and houses echoes Amos's depiction of Rabbah's ruin.
- 2 Kings 25:9 (thematic): Historical account of a city (Jerusalem) whose palaces and walls are burned in conquest—serves as an exemplification of the prophetic motif that Amos uses of fire consuming city walls and palaces as divine judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour her palaces with shouting on the day of battle, with storm on the day of whirlwind.
- I will kindle a fire against the wall of Rabbah, and it shall consume her palaces amid shouting on the day of battle, amid tempest on the day of storm.
Amo.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלכם: NOUN,m,sg,construct+PRON:3,pl
- בגולה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ושריו: NOUN,m,pl,poss,3,m,sg
- יחדו: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 24:12-16 (thematic): Narrative account of Jehoiachin’s removal to Babylon along with officials and princes—historical parallel to a king and his princes going into exile.
- Jeremiah 52:11 (thematic): Report of Zedekiah being taken to Babylon after Jerusalem’s fall—another instance of the king being carried off as divine judgment.
- 2 Chronicles 36:20-21 (thematic): Summary statement of Judah’s exile: the remnant and those who escaped were carried to Babylon—echoes the prophetic formula of royal and national deportation.
- Isaiah 39:6-7 (allusion): Prophetic warning that the house of the king and its offspring will be carried to Babylon—an analogous prophetic declaration about the royal household’s exile.
Alternative generated candidates
- Their king shall go into exile—he and his princes together, says the LORD.
- Then its king shall go into exile—he and his princes together—says the LORD.
Amo.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- שרפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עצמות: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אדום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשיד: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Amos 1:11 (structural): Uses the same prophetic rubric “For three transgressions…and for four” and pronounces judgment on Edom—structurally and thematically linked to Amos 2:1’s use of the formula and its focus on inter‑state violence.
- Amos 2:4 (structural): Another immediate instance of the “three…and four” formula within Amos, showing the repeated judicial pattern applied to different nations (here Judah) in the same collection of oracles.
- Obadiah 1:10–14 (thematic): Condemns Edom for violence and exploitation of Israel (desecration and betrayal of kin); thematically parallels the outrage in Amos 2:1 over violent desecration (burning the king of Edom’s bones).
- Ezekiel 25:12–14 (thematic): Prophecy of punishment on Edom for hostility toward Israel; parallels Amos 2:1 in attributing divine retribution to violent acts and longstanding enmity between peoples.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not relent—because they burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.
Amo.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- במואב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הקריות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ומת: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בשאון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מואב: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- בתרועה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בקול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שופר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Jeremiah 48:24-25 (verbal): Jeremiah's oracle against Moab names Kerioth and depicts Moab's capture and devastation—closely echoing Amos' mention of fire consuming the palaces of Kerioth and Moab's destruction.
- Isaiah 15:1,9 (thematic): Isaiah's 'burden of Moab' describes widespread ruin, lamentation and howling over Moab's downfall, thematically paralleling Amos' image of Moab dying amid uproar and trumpet blasts.
- Zephaniah 2:9 (thematic): Zephaniah announces that Moab will be laid waste (compared to Sodom/Gomorrah) and deprived of inheritance—another prophetic pronouncement of total destruction like Amos' judgment by fire.
- Amos 1:3 (structural): Amos 1:3 exemplifies the prophetic formula ('For three transgressions... therefore I will not revoke the punishment') and the series of oracles of judgment to which 2:2 belongs, showing the book's recurring pattern of announced national punishments.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth; Moab shall die amid uproar, with shouting and trumpet sound.
- I will set a fire against Moab, and it shall consume the palaces of Kerioth; Moab shall perish amid tumult, with shouting and the blast of the trumpet.
Amo.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והכרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,ms,sg
- שופט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקרבה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,f,sg
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- שריה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אהרוג: VERB,qal,impf,1,na,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 3:2-3 (verbal): Lists categories of civic and religious leaders (including 'the judge') to be removed as part of divine judgment, echoing Amos' cutting off of judges and princes.
- Ezekiel 34:2-10 (structural): Prophetic indictment of corrupt shepherds/leaders who are judged and removed; parallels Amos' motif of God punishing and dispossessing a nation's rulers.
- Psalm 82:1-7 (thematic): God condemns unjust judges and pronounces their fate ('you shall die like men'), resonating with Amos' threat to cut off judges and slay princes.
- Micah 3:9-12 (thematic): Denounces leaders and prophets who pervert justice and announces impending destruction of the city's leadership—similar cause-and-effect judgment language to Amos 2:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will cut off the judge from its midst, and all its princes I will slay with him, says the LORD.
- I will cut off the judge from its midst, and all its princes I will slay with him, says the LORD.
Amo.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- פשעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff,1,sg
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- ארבעה: NUM,card,m,sg
- לא: PART_NEG
- אשיבנו: VERB,hiph,imf,1,m,sg,suf:3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- מאסם: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- תורת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וחקיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמרו: VERB,qal,imper,2,m,pl
- ויתעום: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- כזביהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+poss3,m,pl
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הלכו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אבותם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- אחריהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Amos 1:3 (structural): Same prophetic formula “For three transgressions... and for four” and the declaration of unrevoked punishment; shows Amos’s recurring indictments against nations using the same structure.
- Amos 2:1 (structural): Another immediate instance of the “three transgressions... and for four” refrain (Moab); parallels the rhetorical form and communal judgment motif in Amos 2:4.
- 2 Kings 17:7-23 (thematic): Summary account of Israel’s sin: they forsook the statutes and commandments of the LORD and were punished (exile). The language and theme closely parallel Judah’s despising of Yahweh’s law and ensuing judgment.
- Deuteronomy 28:15 (thematic): Part of the covenant curse formula: disobedience to the law brings specified calamities. Amos 2:4’s charge that Judah ‘despised the law’ resonates with Deuteronomy’s covenantal cause-and-effect of disobedience→punishment.
- Hosea 4:6 (thematic): Yahweh’s judgment tied to the people’s rejection/ignorance of his law and knowledge—‘my people perish for lack of knowledge’—parallels Amos’s indictment that Judah did not keep the LORD’s statutes.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke it—because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his statutes; their lies have led them astray, after which their fathers walked.
- Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not relent—because they have rejected the law of the LORD and have not kept his statutes; their lies led them astray, as their fathers walked.
Amo.2.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושלחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ביהודה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואכלה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- ארמנות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Kings 25:9 (verbal): Describes the Babylonian burning of the king's house and the houses of Jerusalem—language and event that parallel Amos’ prediction of fire consuming Jerusalem’s palaces.
- Jeremiah 52:13 (verbal): Parallel account of Jerusalem’s palaces being burned (echoes the same historical fulfillment as 2 Kings), linking prophetic judgment to actual destruction.
- Isaiah 1:7 (thematic): Speaks of cities burned and desolation in the land—shares the theme of divine wrath resulting in fire and destruction of urban centers, including Jerusalem.
- Micah 3:12 (thematic): Proclaims that Zion/ Jerusalem will be made like a field and laid waste because of the leaders’ sins—thematically parallels Amos’ oracle of devastation on Jerusalem.
- Psalm 74:3-4 (thematic): Laments enemies setting fire to the sanctuary and breaking down its walls—echoes the motif of fire and destruction inflicted on Jerusalem’s sacred and public structures.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will kindle a fire in Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.
- I will set a fire against Judah, and it shall consume the palaces of Jerusalem.
The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa—he saw visions concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
The LORD roars from Zion, from Jerusalem he utters his voice; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the top of Carmel withers. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four—I will not turn it back; because they threshed Gilead with threshing sledges of iron.
I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben‑Hadad.
I will break the gate-bar of Damascus and cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven and him who holds the scepter from Beth Eden; and the people of Aram shall go into exile to Kir, says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four—I will not turn it back; for they carried into exile a whole people to hand them over to Edom.
I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, and it shall consume her palaces.
I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn my hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four—I will not turn it back; because they delivered up a whole people to Edom and did not remember the covenant of brotherhood.
I will send a fire upon the wall of Tyre, and it shall consume her palaces. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Edom, and for four—I will not turn it back; because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity—his wrath tore continually, and his fury did not relent.
I will send a fire into Teman, and it shall consume the palaces of Bozrah. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four—I will not turn it back; because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their borders.
I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour her palaces amid shouting on the day of battle, amid tempest on the day of the whirlwind.
Their king shall go into exile—he and his princes together, says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Moab, and for four—I will not turn it back; because they burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.
I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall consume the palaces of Kerioth; Moab shall die amid tumult, with a cry of war and the blast of the trumpet.
I will cut off the judge from its midst, and all her princes I will slay with him, says the LORD. Thus says the LORD: For three transgressions of Judah, and for four—I will not turn it back; because they rejected the law of the LORD and did not keep his statutes, and their lies ensnared them, following the ways of their fathers.
I will send a fire into Judah, and it shall consume the palaces of Jerusalem.