I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon. I will turn My hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines will perish," says the Lord GOD. I will cut off the ruler from AshdodThe phrase "I will cut off" signifies a decisive and complete action by God, indicating His sovereign power to remove leaders and authorities. The Hebrew root for "cut off" is "karath," often used in the context of making or breaking covenants, symbolizing a severance or end. Ashdod was one of the principal cities of the Philistines, a people often in conflict with Israel. Historically, Ashdod was a significant center of Philistine power, and God's judgment here reflects His authority over nations and their leaders, emphasizing that no earthly power can withstand His will. and the scepter from Ashkelon
The "scepter" symbolizes authority and rule, often associated with kingship and governance. The Hebrew word "shebet" can mean both a rod and a tribe, indicating leadership and control. Ashkelon, like Ashdod, was a major Philistine city, known for its strategic location and influence. By declaring the removal of the scepter, God is proclaiming the end of Ashkelon's political and military power. This reflects the biblical theme that God raises and deposes leaders according to His divine plan, underscoring His ultimate control over human history. I will turn My hand against Ekron
The phrase "turn My hand against" is a vivid depiction of divine intervention and judgment. The Hebrew word "shuv" (turn) implies a change in direction or focus, indicating God's active involvement in bringing about justice. Ekron was another key Philistine city, and its mention here completes the triad of Philistine strongholds facing divine retribution. This action demonstrates God's commitment to righteousness and His willingness to act against those who oppose His people and purposes. and the remnant of the Philistines will perish
The term "remnant" often refers to what is left after a calamity or judgment, highlighting the thoroughness of God's actions. The Hebrew word "she'erit" suggests a small, surviving group, but here it is clear that even this remnant will not escape. The Philistines were long-time adversaries of Israel, and their eventual downfall is a testament to God's promise to protect and vindicate His people. This phrase serves as a reminder of the ultimate fate of those who persist in opposition to God's will. says the Lord GOD
This concluding phrase affirms the authority and certainty of the prophecy. "Lord GOD" combines the divine names "Yahweh" and "Adonai," emphasizing both God's covenantal faithfulness and His sovereign rule. The use of "says" (Hebrew "amar") indicates a direct and authoritative declaration, leaving no doubt about the fulfillment of the prophecy. It reassures believers of God's active role in history and His unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness. Persons / Places / Events 1. AshdodA major Philistine city, known for its idolatry and opposition to Israel. It was one of the five cities of the Philistine pentapolis. 2. AshkelonAnother significant Philistine city, often associated with trade and military strength. It was also part of the Philistine pentapolis. 3. EkronA Philistine city, known for its worship of the god Baal-Zebub. It was frequently in conflict with Israel. 4. PhilistinesA group of people who were often in conflict with the Israelites. They occupied the coastal region of Canaan and were known for their military prowess. 5. The Lord GODThe sovereign God of Israel, who pronounces judgment on the Philistines through the prophet Amos. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in JudgmentGod is sovereign over all nations, not just Israel. His judgments are just and encompass all peoples who oppose His will. The Consequences of Idolatry and SinThe Philistines' idolatry and opposition to God's people led to their downfall. This serves as a warning against turning away from God. The Certainty of God's WordWhen God speaks through His prophets, His words are certain and will come to pass. Believers can trust in the reliability of God's promises and warnings. The Call to RepentanceWhile the passage speaks of judgment, it also implicitly calls for repentance. Recognizing God's justice should lead us to turn from sin and seek His mercy. God's Protection of His PeopleThe judgment against the Philistines also signifies God's protection and vindication of His people. Believers can find comfort in God's care and justice. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the judgment against the Philistine cities in Amos 1:8 reflect God's sovereignty over all nations? 2. In what ways can the downfall of the Philistines serve as a warning against idolatry and sin in our own lives? 3. How do the prophecies in Amos 1:8 and other scriptures about the Philistines demonstrate the certainty of God's word? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that we are living in alignment with God's will, avoiding the mistakes of the Philistines? 5. How can understanding God's protection and justice, as seen in His judgment against the Philistines, provide comfort and assurance in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Zephaniah 2:4-7This passage also speaks of the judgment against the Philistine cities, highlighting God's sovereignty and justice. Jeremiah 47Jeremiah prophesies against the Philistines, emphasizing the certainty of God's judgment. Isaiah 14:29-31Isaiah warns the Philistines of impending judgment, reinforcing the theme of divine retribution. 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 Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ash'kelon, Cut, Dead, Destruction, Ekron, Holder, Holdeth, Holds, Inhabitant, Inhabitants, Perish, Perished, Philistines, Power, Remnant, Rest, Rod, Says, Scepter, Sceptre, Seated, Sovereign, Till, Turn, UnleashDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 1:8 1235 God, the LORD
5513 sceptre Amos 1:3-8 5295 destruction Amos 1:6-8 1265 hand of God 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 1:8 NIVAmos 1:8 NLTAmos 1:8 ESVAmos 1:8 NASBAmos 1:8 KJV
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