Amos 6:13

you who rejoice in Lo-debar and say, 'Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?'

Study Bible

You who rejoice
The phrase "You who rejoice" indicates a sense of misplaced joy or celebration. In the context of Amos, the prophet is addressing the Israelites who are celebrating their achievements and prosperity without acknowledging their spiritual and moral decay. The Hebrew root for "rejoice" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which often denotes a deep, exuberant joy. However, here it is used ironically, as the joy is based on false premises and misplaced confidence. The Israelites are celebrating their own strength and accomplishments, which is a direct affront to God, who is the true source of all blessings.

in Lo-debar
"Lo-debar" is a place name that means "nothing" or "no thing" in Hebrew. It is a town in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, and its name is symbolic of the emptiness and futility of the Israelites' confidence. Historically, Lo-debar was a place of little significance, and its mention here underscores the irony of the Israelites' pride. They are boasting in something that is essentially worthless, highlighting their spiritual blindness and the hollowness of their achievements. This serves as a powerful reminder that human accomplishments, when detached from God, are ultimately meaningless.

and say, ‘Did we not take Karnaim by our own strength?’
The phrase "and say" introduces the boastful claim of the Israelites. It reflects their self-reliance and arrogance, as they attribute their military success to their own power rather than acknowledging God's providence. This attitude is a recurring theme in the prophetic literature, where reliance on human strength is often condemned. "Karnaim" is another place name, meaning "horns" in Hebrew, which symbolizes strength and power. It was a city in Bashan, known for its fortifications and military significance. The Israelites' claim to have taken Karnaim "by our own strength" reveals their pride and self-sufficiency. The Hebrew word for "strength" is "כֹּחַ" (koach), which denotes physical power or might. This boast is a direct challenge to the biblical understanding that true strength comes from God alone. The historical context suggests that the Israelites had experienced military victories, but their failure to recognize God's hand in these successes led to their downfall.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver a message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel. His ministry focused on social justice and true worship.

2. Lo-debar
A town east of the Jordan River, often associated with barrenness or lack of pasture. Its name can be translated as "no thing" or "nothing," symbolizing emptiness or worthlessness.

3. Karnaim
A city in Bashan, known for its strength and fortifications. The name means "horns," which can symbolize power or might.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom, which during Amos's time was experiencing a period of prosperity but was spiritually and morally corrupt.

5. Pride and Self-reliance
The attitude of the Israelites who boasted in their military conquests and self-sufficiency, neglecting their dependence on God.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Pride
Pride leads to a false sense of security and self-reliance. Israel's boasting in their military achievements reflects a heart that has turned away from God. We must guard against pride and remember that all victories and successes come from the Lord.

The Illusion of Self-sufficiency
The Israelites believed they had achieved their victories by their own strength. This is a reminder that self-sufficiency is an illusion; true strength and success come from God alone.

The Consequences of Forgetting God
When we attribute our successes to our own abilities, we risk forgetting God and His role in our lives. This can lead to spiritual complacency and eventual judgment, as seen in Israel's fate.

The Call to Humility
Humility is recognizing our dependence on God for everything. We are called to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and grace in our lives.

Reflecting on Our Boasts
Consider what we boast about in our lives. Are we boasting in our achievements, or are we boasting in the Lord and His work in us?

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the historical context of Amos's ministry help us understand the message of Amos 6:13?

2. In what ways do we see the attitude of self-reliance and pride in our own lives or society today?

3. How can we apply the warning against pride in Amos 6:13 to our personal walk with God?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure that we are boasting in the Lord rather than in our own achievements?

5. How do the additional scriptures (Isaiah 10:13, Jeremiah 9:23-24, Proverbs 16:18) deepen our understanding of the themes in Amos 6:13?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 10:13
This verse highlights the arrogance of Assyria, similar to Israel's pride in Amos 6:13, where they attribute their success to their own strength rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
These verses contrast human boasting with the call to boast in understanding and knowing God, emphasizing the futility of self-reliance.

Proverbs 16:18
This proverb warns that pride precedes destruction, a theme evident in Amos's message to Israel.