Amos 1:9

KJV

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; For three {H7969} transgressions {H6588} of Tyrus {H6865}, and for four {H702}, I will not turn away {H7725} the punishment thereof; because they delivered up {H5462} the whole {H8003} captivity {H1546} to Edom {H123}, and remembered {H2142} not the brotherly {H251} covenant {H1285}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is what ADONAI says: "For Tzor's three crimes, no, four - I will not reverse it because they exiled a whole population to Edom and did not remember the covenant with kinsmen;

Berean Standard Bible

This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom and broke a covenant of brotherhood.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: For three transgressions of Tyre, yea, for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole people to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 1:9 declares the LORD's unwavering judgment against the Phoenician city-state of Tyre for its egregious betrayal of a "brotherly covenant" by delivering an entire population of captives to Edom. This oracle highlights God's universal sovereignty and His righteous indignation against human trafficking and the violation of solemn agreements, demonstrating that no nation, regardless of its power or historical ties, is exempt from divine accountability for its moral transgressions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 1:9 is part of a series of eight prophetic oracles (Amos 1:3-2:16) delivered by the prophet Amos, beginning with Damascus and concluding with Judah and Israel. This structured sequence systematically demonstrates God's universal dominion and His righteous judgment over all nations, both near and far, for specific moral and ethical transgressions. Each oracle follows a similar rhetorical pattern: "For three transgressions... and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because..." This repetitive formula builds a sense of inevitability and accumulating guilt, establishing a powerful crescendo of divine wrath before Amos turns his focus to the covenant people. The oracle against Tyre specifically follows those against Damascus and Gaza, further emphasizing the widespread nature of injustice in the ancient Near East.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Tyre was a dominant Phoenician city-state, renowned for its formidable naval power, extensive maritime trade, and impenetrable fortifications. Its wealth derived from its role as a commercial hub, facilitating trade across the Mediterranean. Historically, Tyre maintained a significant "brotherly covenant" with Israel, particularly during the reigns of [King David](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Alliance with David") and [King Solomon](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram"), as evidenced by their cooperation in building the Temple and royal palace. This alliance involved mutual respect and non-aggression, making Tyre's actions a profound betrayal. Edom, located southeast of Judah, was a traditional enemy of Israel, descended from Esau, Jacob's brother. The act of delivering captives to Edom was not merely a commercial transaction but a deliberate act of treachery, selling vulnerable people into the hands of a hostile nation, likely for profit or political gain, exacerbating their suffering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos. First, it underscores **Divine Judgment and Accountability**, demonstrating that God's justice extends beyond Israel to all nations, holding them responsible for their moral conduct, particularly regarding human dignity and inter-state relations. Second, the "three transgressions... and for four" formula highlights the theme of **Exhausted Divine Patience** and the **Full Measure of Iniquity**, indicating that Tyre's accumulated sins had reached a point where judgment was unavoidable. Third, the specific charge of delivering "the whole captivity to Edom" emphasizes the theme of **Injustice and Human Trafficking**, revealing God's profound condemnation of the exploitation and commodification of human beings, a severe violation of both ancient moral codes and the divine law that values every individual. Finally, the breach of the "brotherly covenant" speaks to the importance of **Integrity in International Relations** and the sacredness of oaths and treaties.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **delivered up (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** This verb, meaning "to shut up" or "to surrender," highlights Tyre's active role in handing over captives. It implies a deliberate, decisive act of betrayal, indicating that Tyre was not merely a passive facilitator but an active participant in the cruel trade, surrendering individuals to a hostile party.
* **captivity (Hebrew, _gâlûwth'_):** Referring to exiles or those carried away, this term underscores the vulnerable and helpless state of the people Tyre sold. It emphasizes that these were not merely goods or commodities, but human beings who had lost their freedom and homeland, making Tyre's act of selling them into further bondage particularly heinous.
* **brotherly covenant (Hebrew, _ʼâch bᵉrîyth'_):** This phrase combines "brother" (implying kinship, close alliance, or shared heritage) with "covenant" (a solemn, binding agreement or treaty). It points to a deep, established bond of trust and mutual respect between Tyre and Israel, likely solidified through generations of peaceful relations and trade. Tyre's violation of this covenant by selling captives to Edom, a traditional enemy of Israel, was a profound act of treachery and a grave breach of international ethics.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof;":** This opening declaration establishes the divine authority behind the oracle, emphasizing that the judgment comes directly from Yahweh. The numerical formula "three... and for four" is a rhetorical device indicating not merely a count of specific sins, but a complete and overflowing measure of wickedness, signifying that Tyre's accumulated iniquities have reached a point of no return, exhausting God's patience and necessitating certain judgment. The phrase "I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof" underscores the unalterable certainty and finality of the impending divine retribution.
* **"because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom,":** This clause specifies the primary transgression. Tyre, a prominent maritime power, engaged in the abhorrent practice of human trafficking. The phrase "the whole captivity" suggests a large-scale operation, possibly involving an entire captured population (perhaps from a raid on Israelite or neighboring territories, or even refugees seeking asylum). Delivering them to Edom, a nation known for its enmity towards Israel, compounded the cruelty, as it meant selling them into the hands of a traditional foe, likely for profit or political gain, thus deepening their suffering and ensuring their continued enslavement.
* **"and remembered not the brotherly covenant:":** This final clause provides the moral and ethical foundation for Tyre's guilt. The "brotherly covenant" refers to the long-standing, amicable relations and treaties between Tyre and Israel, established during the time of David and Solomon. To "remember not" implies a deliberate disregard or active forgetting of this solemn agreement, a conscious breach of trust and solidarity. This act of betrayal, coupled with the dehumanizing trade in captives, constituted a profound moral failure in the eyes of God, meriting severe divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 1:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Formula** of the "numerical proverb" or "ascending numerical sequence" ("For three transgressions... and for four"). This is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, not meant to be taken literally as a count of exactly seven sins, but rather to convey the idea of an overflowing, complete, and utterly exhaustive measure of iniquity. It signals that Tyre's wickedness has reached its full capacity, leaving no room for further patience or reprieve. The phrase "the whole captivity" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "captivity" stands for the entire group of people who were enslaved, emphasizing the scale and comprehensive nature of Tyre's involvement in human trafficking. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "the brotherly covenant" serves as a form of **Irony**, highlighting the stark contrast between the expected bond of alliance and the actual act of betrayal and exploitation, thereby intensifying the moral outrage of Tyre's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 1:9 serves as a potent reminder of God's unwavering justice and His universal sovereignty over all nations. It powerfully asserts that God is not merely concerned with the moral failures of His covenant people, Israel, but holds all humanity accountable for their actions, especially concerning the treatment of the vulnerable and the sanctity of agreements. The betrayal of the "brotherly covenant" and the engagement in human trafficking reveal a profound disregard for human dignity, a direct affront to the Creator who imbues all people with inherent worth. This passage underscores that true righteousness extends beyond ritualistic observance to encompass ethical conduct, integrity in relationships, and compassion for the oppressed. It teaches us that God sees and condemns all forms of injustice, particularly those that exploit and dehumanize.

* [Exodus 21:16](/exodus/21-16 "Exodus 21:16 - Law Against Manstealing")
* [Deuteronomy 23:7](/deuteronomy/23-7 "Deuteronomy 23:7 - Treatment of Edomites")
* [Proverbs 30:15](/proverbs/30-15 "Proverbs 30:15 - Numerical Proverb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 1:9 challenges us to examine our own lives and societies through the lens of divine justice and ethical responsibility. It calls us to recognize that God's concern for righteousness extends to all human interactions, from personal relationships to international affairs. The condemnation of Tyre's betrayal and human trafficking serves as a timeless warning against prioritizing profit or political expediency over human dignity and integrity. We are called to be people who honor our commitments, uphold justice for the marginalized, and actively oppose any system or practice that exploits or dehumanizes others. This verse compels us to consider how we might inadvertently participate in or benefit from systems of injustice, urging us to advocate for those who are oppressed and to live out a faith that is deeply committed to ethical conduct and compassion. It reminds us that our actions, both individual and corporate, have eternal consequences and are subject to the scrutiny of a righteous God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or the communities I belong to, be neglecting "brotherly covenants" of trust and integrity in our relationships?**
* **How does the condemnation of human trafficking in Amos 1:9 challenge me to engage with modern issues of exploitation and injustice?**
* **What specific actions can I take to uphold human dignity and advocate for the vulnerable in my sphere of influence?**
* **How does God's unwavering judgment against Tyre's sin encourage or convict me regarding my own accountability before Him?**

### FAQ

**What was the "brotherly covenant" that Tyre violated?**

Answer: The "brotherly covenant" refers to a long-standing, amicable relationship and formal treaties between the Phoenician city-state of Tyre and the Israelite kingdoms. This alliance was particularly strong during the reigns of King David and King Solomon, where Tyre's King Hiram provided valuable resources and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple and royal palace in Jerusalem (as detailed in [1 Kings 5](/1_kings/5 "1 Kings 5 - Solomon's Alliance with Hiram") and [2 Samuel 5:11](/2_samuel/5-11 "2 Samuel 5:11 - Hiram's Alliance with David")). This covenant implied mutual respect, non-aggression, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. Tyre's act of selling captives to Edom, a traditional enemy of Israel, was a profound breach of this established trust and solidarity, incurring divine wrath.

**Why does Amos use the phrase "For three transgressions... and for four"?**

Answer: This phrase is a common Hebrew rhetorical device known as an "ascending numerical proverb" or "numerical sequence." It is not meant to be a literal count of seven specific sins, but rather a literary way to express the idea of an **abundance** or **completeness** of transgressions. It signifies "not just a few, but many," or "more than enough." In this context, it emphasizes that Tyre's accumulated sins had reached a full measure, exhausting God's patience and making divine judgment inevitable. Similar rhetorical patterns can be found elsewhere in wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 30:15-31](/proverbs/30-15-31 "Proverbs 30:15-31 - Numerical Sayings").

**What does it mean that Tyre "delivered up the whole captivity to Edom"?**

Answer: This refers to Tyre's involvement in human trafficking. It indicates that Tyre acted as an intermediary or direct participant in capturing or acquiring a large group of people (the "whole captivity") and then selling them into slavery to Edom. The identity of these captives is not explicitly stated, but they were likely Israelites or people from neighboring regions who had been captured in raids or warfare. Delivering them to Edom, a nation with a history of animosity towards Israel, compounded the cruelty, as it meant selling them to a hostile power, thereby deepening their suffering and ensuring their continued bondage. This act was a severe violation of human dignity and a betrayal of the "brotherly covenant."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 1:9, with its stark declaration of judgment against Tyre for its betrayal and human trafficking, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Amos prophesied a coming judgment for the violation of covenants and the oppression of the vulnerable, Jesus embodies the perfect fulfillment of all covenants, establishing a new and eternal covenant through His blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")). He is the ultimate Covenant-Keeper, whose faithfulness stands in stark contrast to Tyre's treachery. Furthermore, Jesus consistently championed the cause of the oppressed and marginalized, identifying with the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least")). His ministry was one of liberation, proclaiming "liberty to the captives" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")), not through political revolution, but through spiritual deliverance from the bondage of sin and death. Ultimately, Jesus is the righteous Judge who will execute perfect justice against all forms of injustice and oppression ([John 5:27](/john/5-27 "John 5:27 - Jesus as Judge")), and also the compassionate Redeemer who offers true freedom and reconciliation to all who turn to Him, transforming hearts that once profited from human suffering into agents of love and justice.

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

1 Kings 9:11

([Now] Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

1 Kings 9:14

And Hiram sent to the king sixscore talents of gold.

Isaiah 23:1

¶ The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

Isaiah 23:18

And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Joel 3:4

Yea, and what have ye to do with me, O Tyre, and Zidon, and all the coasts of Palestine? will ye render me a recompence? and if ye recompense me, swiftly [and] speedily will I return your recompence upon your own head;

Joel 3:8

And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off: for the LORD hath spoken [it].

Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.