Amos 1:10

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

But I will send {H7971} a fire {H784} on the wall {H2346} of Tyrus {H6865}, which shall devour {H398} the palaces {H759} thereof.

I will send fire to the wall of Tzor, and it will consume its palaces."

So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre to consume its citadels.”

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

Amos 1:10 (KJV): "But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof."

Context

The Book of Amos begins with a series of prophecies against various nations surrounding Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty and judgment over all peoples, not just His chosen nation. Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, delivers God's message during a time of relative peace and prosperity in Israel, yet one marked by social injustice and spiritual complacency. This verse is part of the oracle specifically directed against Tyrus (Tyre), a wealthy Phoenician city known for its maritime trade and fortifications. The judgment pronounced here is a consequence of their specific sin mentioned in the preceding verses - likely their involvement in the slave trade, selling captives to Edom, which violated communal laws and potentially broken covenants with Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The central theme is God's impending judgment upon Tyrus for its transgressions. The "fire" symbolizes the destructive power of God's wrath brought against the city.
  • Punishment for Sin: God holds nations accountable for their actions, particularly those involving cruelty and injustice, as seen in Tyrus's likely role in the slave trade.
  • God's Sovereignty: This oracle, like others in Amos 1 and 2, underscores God's absolute authority over all nations, demonstrating that none are exempt from His justice (see also the judgments on Damascus, Gaza, and others).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "send a fire" (אֵשׁ, 'esh) is a common biblical metaphor for divine judgment and destruction. It signifies a powerful, consuming force that devastates structures and brings ruin. The word "devour" (אָכַל, 'akal) reinforces this image of complete destruction, suggesting the fire will utterly consume the city's strongholds and wealth, represented by its "palaces."

Reflection

Amos's prophecy against Tyrus serves as a timeless reminder that God sees and will judge injustice and sin wherever it occurs, even in powerful and prosperous nations. While the specific historical fulfillment involved invasions (like those by Nebuchadnezzar and Alexander the Great), the underlying principle remains relevant: God's moral law applies to all, and those who engage in oppression, cruelty, or break faith will face consequences. This passage challenges us to consider how nations and individuals today treat others and uphold justice, knowing that ultimate accountability rests with a righteous God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 9:4

    Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.

  • Ezekiel 26:12

    And they shall make a spoil of thy riches, and make a prey of thy merchandise: and they shall break down thy walls, and destroy thy pleasant houses: and they shall lay thy stones and thy timber and thy dust in the midst of the water.

  • Amos 1:7

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

  • Amos 1:4

    But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad.

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