And [he that is] courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD.
And he that is courageous {H533}{H3820} among the mighty {H1368} shall flee away {H5127} naked {H6174} in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}.
On that day even the bravest warriors will throw off their weapons and flee," says ADONAI.
Even the bravest of mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD.
and he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith Jehovah.
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Mark 14:52
And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked. -
Judges 4:17
¶ Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite: for [there was] peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. -
2 Kings 7:8
And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid [it]; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence [also], and went and hid [it]. -
2 Kings 7:20
And so it fell out unto him: for the people trode upon him in the gate, and he died. -
Jeremiah 48:41
Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men's hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.
Amos 2:16 (KJV): And [he that is] courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD.
Context
This verse concludes a passage (Amos 2:6-16) where the prophet Amos pronounces judgment against the nation of Israel for their specific sins, following judgments on surrounding nations and Judah. The sins listed include social injustice, perverting justice, oppression of the poor, and profaning God's name. Leading up to verse 16, Amos describes how God's judgment will render various forms of human strength useless – the swift cannot flee, the strong cannot use their might, archers cannot stand, and horsemen cannot escape (Amos 2:14-15). Verse 16 delivers the final, devastating blow to the idea of human capability against divine power.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "courageous among the mighty" translates the Hebrew 'lev gibbor' (לֵב גִּבּוֹר), literally meaning "heart of a warrior" or "heart of a mighty man." This refers to the most valiant, brave, and skilled fighters – those considered the peak of military prowess and courage. The image of such a person fleeing naked underscores the complete and shameful dismantling of all human defenses in the face of God's wrath.
Commentary and Application
Amos 2:16 serves as a stark warning: when God brings judgment, even the most formidable human power is rendered utterly ineffective and humiliatingly exposed. Israel, perhaps relying on its military strength during a time of relative prosperity, is told that its strongest warriors will be stripped of everything and forced to flee in shame. This principle extends beyond military might to any form of human strength, wealth, or influence that is relied upon instead of God. It reminds us that true security and lasting power do not reside in human capabilities or resources, but in the Lord alone. Relying on anything other than God for salvation and protection is ultimately futile when facing the consequences of sin or the day of the Lord's reckoning. It calls us to place our trust in God, not in the arm of flesh (Jeremiah 17:5).
Reflection
Consider where you might be tempted to rely on your own strength, skills, resources, or reputation rather than God. Amos 2:16 is a powerful reminder that only God's strength is sufficient and enduring. Let this verse encourage you to humble yourself before God and seek His protection and guidance.