Amos 2:15

KJV

Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither shall he stand {H5975} that handleth {H8610} the bow {H7198}; and he that is swift {H7031} of foot {H7272} shall not deliver {H4422} himself: neither shall he that rideth {H7392} the horse {H5483} deliver {H4422} himself {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Archers won't be able to stand, the fastest runners won't save themselves, those on horses won't save themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life.

American Standard Version

neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself; neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 2:15, part of Amos's oracles against Israel, vividly portrays the utter futility of human strength and military prowess in the face of God's determined judgment. It declares that no warrior, no matter how skilled with a bow, how swift of foot, or how powerful on horseback, will be able to escape or deliver themselves from the impending divine reckoning. This verse serves as a stark testament to God's absolute sovereignty and the inescapable consequences of persistent covenant unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 2:15 is situated within the latter part of Amos's prophetic pronouncements against Israel, specifically following a detailed indictment of their social injustices, moral corruption, and idolatry (Amos 2:6-12). The preceding verses (Amos 2:13-14) initiate the theme of inescapable judgment, describing how the land will groan under the weight of Israel's sin, and even the strongest and swiftest will find no refuge. Verse 15 continues this powerful crescendo of judgment, using a series of rhetorical negations to emphasize the comprehensive failure of human might. It is part of a larger unit (Amos 2:13-16) that collectively illustrates the complete breakdown of Israel's defenses—military, physical, and psychological—when confronted by God's wrath. This immediate context sets the stage for the detailed description of various types of warriors who will be rendered helpless.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Amos were delivered during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel (Amos 1:1), a period of relative peace and economic prosperity for both kingdoms. However, beneath this veneer of success, Israel (the Northern Kingdom) was rife with social inequality, oppression of the poor, and religious syncretism, despite the covenant relationship with Yahweh. Military strength was a source of national pride and security in the ancient Near East. Archers, swift runners, and cavalry were elite units, representing the pinnacle of military power and defensive capability. Amos's pronouncements directly challenged this human reliance on military might, asserting that even the most formidable aspects of their defense would prove useless. The imagery of the bowman, the swift runner, and the horseman would have immediately resonated with the audience as symbols of ultimate human strength and capability in warfare, making the declaration of their helplessness all the more shocking and impactful.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Amos. Foremost is the **Futility of Human Strength and Self-Reliance**, asserting that no human contrivance or physical prowess can withstand God's judgment. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Might"), which states that a king is not saved by the multitude of an army, nor is a mighty man delivered by great strength. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Inevitability and Universality of God's Judgment** against unrepentant sin. Once God's decree is issued, it is absolute and inescapable, affecting all segments of society, even its strongest members. This aligns with the broader prophetic message that God holds nations accountable for their actions. Finally, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate arbiter of human destiny and military outcomes, capable of rendering the mightiest warriors powerless and revealing that true power resides with Him alone, as seen in [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "God's Sovereignty Over All Things").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, meaning "to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive); abide, appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, serve, set, stand, stay, tarry." In this context, it signifies the inability to maintain one's position, to hold one's ground, or to resist the overwhelming force of God's judgment. The skilled archer will not be able to stand firm in battle.
* **bow (Hebrew, _qesheth'_):** From H7198, meaning "a bow, forshooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris; archer, arrow, bowman, bowshot." The bow represents a primary offensive weapon in ancient warfare, requiring skill and strength to wield effectively. Its mention highlights the failure of even the most potent offensive capabilities.
* **deliver (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** From H4422, meaning "to be smooth, i.e. (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks; deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, speedily, surely." This word is repeated for both the swift runner and the horseman, emphasizing the absolute impossibility of escape or self-preservation from the impending judgment, regardless of speed or mobility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow":** This clause speaks to the futility of offensive military strength. The "handler of the bow" refers to a skilled archer, a vital component of ancient armies, capable of inflicting damage from a distance and holding a defensive line. The declaration that he "shall not stand" means he will be unable to hold his ground, maintain his position, or effectively resist the divine onslaught. His expertise and weapon will be rendered useless.
* **"and [he that is] swift of foot shall not deliver [himself]:"** Here, the focus shifts to the futility of speed and evasion. The "swift of foot" refers to a fast runner, perhaps a scout, messenger, or light infantry known for their agility and ability to escape or outmaneuver. The phrase "shall not deliver himself" underscores that even the greatest physical speed will be insufficient to escape the inevitable judgment. There will be no refuge in flight.
* **"neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself."** This final clause addresses the futility of mounted power and mobility. "He that rideth the horse" signifies cavalry, which represented the pinnacle of ancient military might, combining speed, shock, and maneuverability. The repetition of "shall not deliver himself" emphatically concludes the series, demonstrating that even the most formidable and mobile elements of Israel's military—symbols of their national strength and pride—will be utterly helpless and unable to escape God's decreed judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 2:15 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its message of inescapable judgment. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism** with a climactic effect. Each clause reiterates the central idea that human strength cannot deliver from divine judgment, but it does so by introducing a new, increasingly potent symbol of military power (archer, runner, horseman). This builds a sense of comprehensive and universal futility. The use of **Anaphora** with the repeated "Neither shall he..." or "shall not deliver himself" creates a rhythmic, emphatic declaration that reinforces the absolute and inescapable nature of the impending doom. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (the bowman, the swift foot, the horseman) represent the whole of Israel's military might and human capability. This allows Amos to vividly illustrate the complete breakdown of all human defenses. The overall tone is one of **Irony**, as the very things Israel trusted in for security (military prowess) are precisely what will fail them in their hour of greatest need.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 2:15 profoundly articulates the theological truth that human strength, ingenuity, and military might are utterly insufficient when confronted with the sovereign will and righteous judgment of God. It dismantles any illusion of self-sufficiency, reminding us that true security and deliverance come not from human capabilities but from divine intervention and mercy. This principle is foundational to biblical theology, emphasizing God's ultimate authority over all creation and human affairs. When humanity rebels against God's covenant, no earthly power can avert the consequences. The verse serves as a stark warning against placing trust in anything other than the Almighty, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the inevitability of divine justice for unrepentant disobedience.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Might")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30-31 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 2:15 serves as a timeless and convicting mirror for believers today, prompting us to critically examine the foundations of our security and confidence. In a world that often prizes self-reliance, personal achievement, and material strength, this verse powerfully reorients our perspective. Do we, like ancient Israel, subtly place our trust in our financial stability, our intellectual prowess, our social networks, or even our physical health, believing these will "deliver" us from life's challenges or ultimate judgment? This passage challenges us to humble ourselves, recognizing that true and lasting deliverance comes only from God. It calls us to repent of any misplaced trust and to re-center our lives on Him, understanding that our greatest "strengths" are utterly useless if they are not submitted to His sovereign will. Furthermore, it reminds us of the serious consequences of unrepentant sin, urging us to live lives of obedience and righteousness, knowing that God's justice is unyielding, yet His grace is abundant for those who turn to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my trust for security and deliverance in my life?**
* **In what areas might I be relying on my own "strength" (e.g., intelligence, resources, connections) rather than on God?**
* **How does the inevitability of God's judgment, as depicted in this verse, shape my understanding of sin and the importance of repentance?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God alone in my daily life?**

### FAQ

**What specific "sins" was Israel being judged for in Amos's prophecy?**

Answer: Amos's prophecy details a comprehensive indictment of Israel's sins, moving beyond mere ritualistic failures to deep-seated social injustice and moral corruption. Key transgressions included oppressing the poor and needy, selling the righteous for silver, trampling the head of the poor into the dust, and perverting justice (Amos 2:6-7). They engaged in sexual immorality, defiling God's holy name (Amos 2:7), and practiced idolatry, drinking wine in the house of their gods (Amos 2:8). Despite God's past faithfulness in delivering them from Egypt and raising up prophets and Nazirites (Amos 2:9-12), Israel had continually rebelled against His covenant, leading to the severe judgment described in Amos 2:13-16.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 2:15, with its stark declaration of the futility of human strength in the face of divine judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament highlights humanity's inability to save itself from the consequences of sin through any earthly means, the New Testament reveals God's perfect provision for deliverance through His Son. No human "bowman," "swift runner," or "horseman" could deliver Israel from their deserved judgment, foreshadowing humanity's universal inability to earn salvation or escape the spiritual consequences of sin through self-effort, good works, or religious rituals. As [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Jesus Christ is the one who truly "delivers" us, not from an earthly army, but from the power of sin and death (Colossians 1:13-14). His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and resurrection represent God's sovereign act of salvation, accomplishing what no human strength could ever achieve. He is the ultimate "deliverer," the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering an escape from eternal judgment that is freely given to all who put their faith in Him. Thus, the futility of self-salvation in Amos points directly to the necessity and sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work.

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

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.

Ezekiel 39:3

And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.