Amos 1:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:

Complete Jewish Bible:

I will send fire to the wall of 'Azah, and it will consume its palaces.

Berean Standard Bible:

So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels.

American Standard Version:

But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, and it shall devour the palaces thereof.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

But I will send^{H7971} a fire^{H784} on the wall^{H2346} of Gaza^{H5804}, which shall devour^{H398} the palaces^{H759} thereof:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Amos 1:7

Amos 1:7 is part of the Old Testament and is found within the Book of Amos, which is attributed to the prophet Amos. The verse reads, "But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof." This verse is part of a series of oracles against the nations that surround Israel, which Amos delivers as a judgment from God.

The historical context of Amos's prophecies dates back to the 8th century BCE, during the reign of Jeroboam II in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah, called by God to prophesy to the people of Israel. The time was marked by economic prosperity and religious complacency, but also by social injustice and the neglect of the poor and needy.

In Amos 1:7, the prophet pronounces God's judgment specifically upon Gaza, one of the five chief cities of the Philistines, who were frequent antagonists of Israel. The imagery of fire sent by God to devour the palaces is a symbol of divine retribution against the city's fortifications and seats of power. This reflects the themes of God's justice and the consequences of sin, as well as the sovereignty of God over all nations, not just Israel. The verse implies that Gaza, despite its strength and opulence, is ultimately vulnerable to God's judgment, which will not overlook the wickedness of the people.

The broader message of Amos is a call to repentance and a warning that the privileged status of Israel as God's chosen people does not exempt them from the moral and ethical demands of the covenant. The oracles against the nations, including the verse targeting Gaza, serve to underscore that God's justice extends beyond Israel's borders and that all nations will be held accountable for their actions.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7971
   There are 790 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַח
   Transliteration: shâlach
   Pronunciation: shaw-lakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out).
   
2. Strong's Number: H784
   There are 549 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵשׁ
   Transliteration: ʼêsh
   Pronunciation: aysh
   Description: a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2346
   There are 123 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חוֹמָה
   Transliteration: chôwmâh
   Pronunciation: kho-maw'
   Description: feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection; wall, walled.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5804
   There are 20 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַזָּה
   Transliteration: ʻAzzâh
   Pronunciation: az-zaw'
   Description: feminine of עַז; strong; Azzah, a place in Palestine; Azzah, Gaza.
   
5. Strong's Number: H398
   There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָכַל
   Transliteration: ʼâkal
   Pronunciation: aw-kal'
   Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
   
6. Strong's Number: H759
   There are 223 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַרְמוֹן
   Transliteration: ʼarmôwn
   Pronunciation: ar-mone'
   Description: from an unused root (meaning to be elevated); a citadel (from its height); castle, palace. Compare הַרְמוֹן.