Amos 1:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 1:10 pronounces a divine judgment against the wealthy Phoenician city of Tyrus (Tyre), declaring that God himself will send a destructive "fire" upon its formidable walls and consume its opulent palaces. This prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice, holding even powerful and seemingly impregnable cities accountable for their transgressions, particularly their involvement in the slave trade and the breaking of covenantal ties.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 1:10 is part of a series of eight oracles (or "burdens") against surrounding nations, beginning with Damascus, Gaza, and then Tyrus, before turning to Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and finally Israel itself in [Amos 2](/amos/2 "Amos 2 - Judgments Against Israel and Judah"). This structured sequence establishes God's universal authority as the sovereign Lord of all creation and history, demonstrating that His moral law and judgment extend far beyond the borders of Israel. The pronouncements against foreign nations serve to build a theological foundation, showing that if God judges others for their sins, He will certainly judge His own people, Israel and Judah, who have greater covenantal responsibility. The oracle against Tyrus immediately follows the judgment against Gaza, both condemning their participation in the slave trade, linking their specific offenses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyrus (modern Tyre) was a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its maritime trade, immense wealth, and formidable fortifications, including a strong wall that made it notoriously difficult to conquer. It was a major commercial hub, trading extensively throughout the ancient world. Historically, Tyre had a complex relationship with Israel, at times acting as an ally (e.g., during the reigns of David and Solomon, as seen in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram of Tyre") and [2 Samuel 5](/2_samuel/5 "2 Samuel 5 - David's Alliance with Hiram")), and at other times engaging in practices that violated divine law. The specific sin attributed to Tyrus in the preceding verses ([Amos 1:9](/amos/1-9 "Amos 1:9 - Tyre's Transgression")) is the selling of "a whole captivity to Edom," likely referring to the trafficking of Israelites or other peoples as slaves, which was a grave offense against human dignity and potentially a breach of existing treaties or long-standing relationships.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Book of Amos. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable consequence of sin, especially against those who commit acts of cruelty and injustice. The "fire" symbolizes the destructive power of God's wrath, indicating that no nation, however strong or prosperous, is immune from His righteous indignation. Secondly, it underscores **God's Universal Sovereignty**, demonstrating that His authority extends over all peoples and nations, not just Israel. The oracles against the nations in [Amos 1-2](/amos/1-2 "Amos 1-2 - Oracles Against the Nations") serve as a powerful declaration that the God of Israel is the God of all the earth, holding everyone accountable to His moral standards. Lastly, the passage emphasizes **Justice and Accountability**, particularly concerning the treatment of vulnerable populations. Tyre's sin of slave trading is a direct violation of God's concern for human dignity and freedom, reinforcing the prophetic call for social justice that permeates Amos's message (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Justice Rolls Down Like Waters")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **fire (Hebrew, _ʼêsh'_):** This primitive word denotes a literal fire, but in prophetic contexts like Amos 1:10, it frequently carries the figurative meaning of divine judgment, wrath, and destructive power. It signifies a consuming force that devastates and purifies, often associated with God's direct intervention in human affairs to punish wickedness. The "fire" here is not merely a natural disaster but a divinely sent agent of destruction.
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root means "to eat" literally or figuratively. In the context of fire, it signifies complete consumption, destruction, or burning up. The use of "devour" emphasizes the totality and ferocity of the judgment; the fire will not merely damage but utterly consume the structures, leaving nothing behind. It reinforces the idea of irreversible ruin.
* **palaces (Hebrew, _ʼarmôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be elevated," this word refers to a citadel, castle, or royal residence. Palaces symbolize the wealth, power, security, and pride of a nation's elite. By targeting the "palaces," the prophecy indicates that God's judgment will strike at the very heart of Tyre's strength, affluence, and the symbols of its human-made security, demonstrating the futility of trusting in earthly might against divine decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus":** This clause declares God's direct agency in the impending judgment. The phrase "I will send" (Hebrew, _shâlach_) emphasizes divine initiative and purpose. The "fire" is not accidental but a deliberate act of God's wrath. The "wall of Tyrus" refers to the city's renowned fortifications, which were a source of its security and pride. By targeting the wall, God demonstrates His ability to dismantle even the most formidable human defenses, rendering their perceived invincibility useless.
* **"which shall devour the palaces thereof":** This second clause specifies the extent and nature of the destruction. The fire sent by God will not merely damage but "devour" (Hebrew, _ʼâkal_), signifying complete consumption and ruin. The "palaces" represent the city's wealth, power, and the luxurious lifestyle of its rulers, which were likely built upon the very injustices for which Tyre is being judged. The destruction of the palaces symbolizes the collapse of Tyre's economic and political power, and the stripping away of its pride and security.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 1:10 powerfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "fire" is used metaphorically to represent God's destructive wrath and judgment. This is not a literal fire in every sense, but a symbol of overwhelming, consuming power that brings ruin. The verb "devour" further enhances this imagery, almost **personifying** the fire as an active agent that consumes, rather than merely burns. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the declaration that the fire will "devour the palaces thereof," emphasizing the totality and severity of the destruction, implying that nothing will be spared. Finally, the "wall" and "palaces" serve as **Symbolism**, representing Tyre's fortified strength, material wealth, and the pride derived from its human achievements, all of which are rendered vulnerable and ultimately destroyed by God's decree.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 1:10 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice and His universal sovereignty over all nations. The judgment against Tyrus, a powerful and wealthy city, demonstrates that no nation, regardless of its might or perceived invincibility, is beyond the reach of divine accountability. This passage underscores the biblical principle that God judges nations not only for their idolatry but also for their social injustices, particularly those that involve the oppression and exploitation of the vulnerable. Tyre's sin of slave trading, a direct violation of human dignity and potentially a breach of covenant, highlights God's deep concern for ethical conduct and righteous relationships among peoples. The "fire" is a recurring biblical motif for divine judgment, signifying God's active intervention to purge wickedness and reestablish justice in the world.

* [Isaiah 23:1-18](/isaiah/23-1-18 "Isaiah 23:1-18 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Ezekiel 26:1-21](/ezekiel/26-1-21 "Ezekiel 26:1-21 - Prophecy Against Tyre")
* [Jeremiah 49:27](/jeremiah/49-27 "Jeremiah 49:27 - Judgment on Damascus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos's prophecy against Tyrus offers profound lessons for contemporary nations and individuals. It challenges the notion that economic prosperity or military strength can insulate a society from divine judgment. God's moral law transcends national borders and cultural norms, holding all accountable for their actions, especially concerning the treatment of the marginalized and the pursuit of justice. In a world still grappling with issues like human trafficking, economic exploitation, and the abuse of power, Amos 1:10 serves as a prophetic warning: God sees, and He will act. It calls us to examine our own lives and the systems we participate in, asking whether we contribute to or resist injustice, and whether our trust is placed in fleeting earthly securities or in the enduring righteousness of God. This passage encourages a posture of humility, a commitment to ethical living, and an active pursuit of justice in our spheres of influence, recognizing that true security and lasting peace are found only in alignment with God's righteous character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" or "palaces" in my life or society do I trust in more than God's justice and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be complicit in systems that exploit or dehumanize others, similar to Tyre's slave trade?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on injustice motivate me to pursue righteousness and advocate for the vulnerable?**
* **What does "fire" as a symbol of divine judgment teach me about God's character and His response to sin?**

### FAQ

**Why did God specifically judge Tyrus with "fire on the wall" and "devouring palaces"?**

Answer: God judged Tyrus primarily for its involvement in the slave trade, specifically selling "a whole captivity to Edom" ([Amos 1:9](/amos/1-9 "Amos 1:9 - Tyre's Transgression")), which was a grave violation of human dignity and potentially a breach of covenantal agreements or long-standing alliances with Israel. The "fire on the wall" and "devouring palaces" symbolize the complete and utter destruction of Tyre's physical defenses and its sources of wealth and pride. Tyre was renowned for its formidable walls and opulent palaces, representing its perceived invincibility and prosperity. By targeting these, God demonstrated that no human strength or material wealth could withstand His righteous judgment for their unrighteous actions. It was a direct assault on the very things they trusted in, showing that ultimate security comes only from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amos 1:10 pronounces a specific judgment against ancient Tyre, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper theological significance are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fire" of divine judgment foreshadows the ultimate and final judgment that Christ, as the righteous judge, will execute upon all unrighteousness. Just as God's judgment consumed the symbols of Tyre's earthly power, Christ's coming will bring an end to all human systems built on injustice and pride. However, Christ's "fire" is also a refining fire, not merely for destruction but for purification. He is the one who "will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John the Baptist on Jesus' Baptism")), bringing both judgment and cleansing. For those who trust in Him, the judgment for sin has already been borne by Christ on the cross, where He became the ultimate sacrifice ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, while Amos warns of a consuming fire for the unrighteous, the New Testament reveals that through Christ, believers are delivered from this wrath ([Romans 5:9](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9 - Delivered from Wrath Through Christ")) and instead receive the Spirit of adoption, becoming heirs of His eternal kingdom, where true and lasting security is found not in walls or palaces, but in the unshakeable reign of the Lamb of God ([Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22-27 "Revelation 21:22-27 - No Temple in the New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.