Amos 1:8

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

And I will cut off {H3772} the inhabitant {H3427} from Ashdod {H795}, and him that holdeth {H8551} the sceptre {H7626} from Ashkelon {H831}, and I will turn {H7725} mine hand {H3027} against Ekron {H6138}: and the remnant {H7611} of the Philistines {H6430} shall perish {H6}, saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon. I will turn my hand against 'Ekron, and the rest of the P'lishtim will perish," says ADONAI, God.

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.

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon; and I will turn my hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Context

The book of Amos opens with a series of divine judgments against the nations surrounding Israel, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and justice. Though Amos was primarily a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel, these initial prophecies establish that God holds all peoples accountable for their actions. Amos 1:8 specifically targets Philistia, an ancient and formidable adversary of Israel, detailing the impending destruction of its major cities: Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron. This oracle follows similar pronouncements against Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, and Edom, highlighting a consistent theme of divine retribution for cruelty and injustice.

Key Themes

  • Universal Divine Judgment: This verse powerfully illustrates that God's authority extends beyond His chosen people to all nations. He is the ultimate judge, holding even pagan kingdoms accountable for their deeds, especially acts of oppression and violence against humanity or His people.
  • The End of an Era for Philistia: The Philistines had a long and often contentious history with Israel, dating back to the time of the Judges and extending through the monarchy (e.g., Samson's struggles and David's defeat of Goliath). The prophecy of cutting off the inhabitant, removing the sceptre, and the remnant perishing signifies a complete and decisive end to their political power and national identity.
  • Sovereignty Over Leaders: The phrase "him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon" emphasizes God's direct control over the leadership and governance of nations. No earthly ruler or kingdom is beyond His reach or ultimate judgment, reinforcing His absolute authority.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's strong language in this verse vividly portrays the totality of God's judgment. "Cut off the inhabitant" (Hebrew: כָּרַת, karat) implies a complete severance or extermination, often used for decisive destruction. "I will turn mine hand against" (Hebrew: הֲשִׁיבֹתִי יָדִי, hashivoti yadi) denotes a direct, forceful, and intentional act of divine intervention, leaving no doubt about the source of this judgment. The declaration "the remnant of the Philistines shall perish" underscores the comprehensive nature of the devastation, signifying a complete loss of their national existence.

Practical Application

Amos 1:8 offers timeless lessons about God's character and His interaction with the world:

  • Accountability for All: This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all individuals and nations are ultimately accountable to God for their actions, regardless of their awareness or acknowledgment of Him. Justice is a cornerstone of His character.
  • Consequences of Injustice: It highlights that there are real and severe consequences for injustice, oppression, and rebellion against God's moral order. God does not ignore the suffering caused by human wickedness.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: For those who face injustice or oppression, this prophecy offers assurance that God sees and will ultimately act. It points to a future where all will ultimately stand before His righteous judgment, and wrongs will be made right.
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.

  • Ezekiel 25:16

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.

  • Isaiah 14:29

    Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.

  • Isaiah 14:31

    Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.

  • Zephaniah 2:4

    ¶ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

  • Zephaniah 2:7

    And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

  • Jeremiah 47:4

    Because of the day that cometh to spoil all the Philistines, [and] to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remaineth: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor.

  • Jeremiah 47:5

    Baldness is come upon Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off [with] the remnant of their valley: how long wilt thou cut thyself?

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