Amos 2:2

KJV

But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, [and] with the sound of the trumpet:

KJV (with Strong's)

But I will send {H7971} a fire {H784} upon Moab {H4124}, and it shall devour {H398} the palaces {H759} of Kerioth {H7152}: and Moab {H4124} shall die {H4191} with tumult {H7588}, with shouting {H8643}, and with the sound {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will send fire on Mo'av, and it will consume the palaces of K'riot. Mo'av will die with turmoil and shouting, along with the sound of the shofar.

Berean Standard Bible

So I will send fire against Moab to consume the citadels of Kerioth. Moab will die in tumult, amid war cries and the sound of the ram’s horn.

American Standard Version

But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth; and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 2:2 pronounces God's certain and devastating judgment upon Moab, declaring that divine fire will consume the fortified palaces of Kerioth, a significant Moabite city. This destruction will be accompanied by the chaotic sounds of battle—tumult, shouting, and the blare of the trumpet—signifying a complete and violent overthrow. The verse underscores God's universal sovereignty and unwavering justice, demonstrating His accountability for all nations, even those outside His direct covenant, particularly for acts of extreme cruelty and desecration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal part of the "Oracles Against the Nations" found in [Amos 1:3-2:16](/amos/1-3-2-16 "Amos 1:3-2:16 - Oracles Against the Nations"), a meticulously structured series of pronouncements where God declares judgment upon Israel's neighbors before turning His attention to Judah and then Israel itself. Following specific condemnations of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon, the oracle against Moab in [Amos 2:1-3](/amos/2-1-3 "Amos 2:1-3 - Judgment Against Moab") serves to reinforce God's universal jurisdiction. The immediate preceding verse, [Amos 2:1](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1 - Moab's Transgression"), specifies Moab's egregious sin: the burning of the bones of the king of Edom into lime, an act of extreme desecration that violated common ancient Near Eastern burial customs and demonstrated profound cruelty. This sequence of judgments establishes a theological foundation for the subsequent, even more severe, judgments against God's covenant people, emphasizing that if Gentile nations are held accountable for general moral transgressions, Israel's covenant unfaithfulness will incur even greater wrath.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moab was a long-standing neighbor and often an adversary of Israel, located east of the Dead Sea. Their relationship was complex, marked by periods of conflict (e.g., [2 Kings 3](/2_kings/3 "2 Kings 3 - Jehoram and Jehoshaphat against Moab")) and occasional interaction (e.g., Ruth, a Moabite, became an ancestor of David). The specific act condemned in [Amos 2:1](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1 - Moab's Desecration")—burning the bones of the king of Edom—was an unparalleled affront to ancient sensibilities regarding the dead. In the ancient Near East, proper burial was crucial for a person's honor and perceived well-being in the afterlife. To desecrate a corpse, especially that of a king, was an act of ultimate contempt and an attempt to deny the deceased any peace or honor, reflecting a deep-seated hatred that went beyond conventional warfare. This act was not merely a military tactic but a profound violation of universal human dignity, making it a fitting target for divine judgment, even for a nation not under the Mosaic Covenant. Kerioth (or Kirioth) was a prominent city in Moab, possibly a royal or administrative center, making its destruction a symbol of the nation's complete downfall.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty**, asserting God's absolute authority over all nations and His impartiality in judging sin, whether committed by covenant people or Gentiles. The detailed nature of the prophecy, including the specific city of Kerioth and the sounds of battle, highlights the **Certainty and Precision of Prophecy**, demonstrating that God's word is not vague but will be fulfilled with exactitude. Furthermore, the judgment against Moab for an act of extreme cruelty emphasizes the theme of **Consequences of Inhumanity and Desecration**. God holds all humanity accountable for basic moral laws, even those not explicitly outlined in the Mosaic Law. The imagery of fire and chaotic sounds points to the theme of **Complete Devastation**, signifying that God's judgment, once enacted, will bring about a thorough and irreversible destruction upon the targeted nation, echoing similar prophecies against other nations in the book, such as the fire sent upon Damascus in [Amos 1:4](/amos/1-4 "Amos 1:4 - Judgment on Damascus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **devour (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** (H398) A primitive root meaning "to eat" literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the complete consumption or destruction by fire, indicating the thoroughness of the divine judgment. The fire will not merely damage but utterly consume the palaces, leaving nothing behind.
* **die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** (H4191) A primitive root meaning "to die" literally or figuratively; causatively, "to kill." Here, it denotes the literal perishing of the Moabite people, emphasizing the finality and severity of the judgment that will result in widespread death, not just defeat.
* **tumult (Hebrew, _shâʼôwn'_):** (H7588) From a root meaning "uproar (as of rushing)"; by implication, "destruction." This word vividly describes the chaotic, confused noise of battle, the clamor of war, and the general disorder that accompanies a nation's collapse. It paints a picture of disarray and panic rather than an orderly retreat.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will send a fire upon Moab,"**: This opening declaration establishes the divine origin and nature of the impending judgment. The "fire" (Hebrew: _'esh'_, H784) is a common biblical metaphor for God's wrath and destructive power, signifying a judgment that is both purifying and consuming. It is God Himself who initiates this action, underscoring His sovereignty over nations.
* **"and it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth:"**: The fire's target is specific: "the palaces (Hebrew: _'armôwn'_, H759) of Kerioth (Hebrew: _Qᵉrîyôwth'_, H7152)." Kerioth was a significant city in Moab, likely a royal or administrative center. The mention of "palaces" indicates that the judgment will affect the highest echelons of Moabite society and infrastructure, symbolizing the complete collapse of their power and prestige, not just a minor skirmish.
* **"and Moab shall die with tumult,"**: This clause specifies the fate of the nation itself: "Moab shall die." The death is not merely a cessation of national identity but a literal perishing of its people. This death is accompanied "with tumult" (Hebrew: _shâʼôwn'_, H7588), depicting the chaotic noise and confusion of a nation under siege and being destroyed, filled with the sounds of war and disarray.
* **"with shouting, [and] with the sound of the trumpet:"**: These phrases further amplify the imagery of violent destruction. "Shouting" (Hebrew: _tᵉrûwʻâh'_, H8643) refers to a battle cry, an alarm, or a shout of distress, intensifying the sense of a nation in panic and defeat. The "sound of the trumpet" (Hebrew: _qôwl'_ H6963 of the _shôwphâr'_ H7782) refers to the ram's horn, typically used for signaling war, alarm, or assembly. Here, it signifies the signals of impending doom and the sounds of a nation being utterly routed in battle, reinforcing the picture of a military overthrow leading to their demise.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 2:2 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of destruction through sensory details. The "fire" is a powerful visual and metaphorical image of divine wrath and total consumption. The mention of "palaces" evokes images of grandeur and power, which are then contrasted with their imminent destruction, highlighting the futility of human strength against divine judgment. **Auditory Imagery** is particularly strong with the triple repetition of sounds: "tumult," "shouting," and "the sound of the trumpet." This crescendo of chaotic noises immerses the reader in the scene of battle and national collapse, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the devastation. The phrase "Moab shall die" employs **Personification**, treating the nation as a living entity that will perish, underscoring the completeness of its demise. The overall structure of the oracle, with its clear cause-and-effect relationship between Moab's sin and God's judgment, also demonstrates a form of **Poetic Justice**, where the punishment directly addresses the nature of the transgression.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 2:2 serves as a profound theological statement on God's universal justice and sovereignty. It unequivocally declares that God's moral standards extend beyond His covenant people, Israel, to encompass all nations. Moab's judgment for an act of extreme cruelty—burning the bones of the Edomite king—demonstrates that God holds all humanity accountable for basic moral principles and the sanctity of human dignity, even in death. This passage underscores that sin, particularly that which violates fundamental human decency, incurs divine wrath, irrespective of one's religious or national affiliation. It highlights that God is not merely the God of Israel but the just ruler of all the earth, who will bring every deed into judgment.

* [Jeremiah 48:45](/jeremiah/48-45 "Jeremiah 48:45 - Prophecy of Moab's Destruction")
* [Deuteronomy 32:22](/deuteronomy/32-22 "Deuteronomy 32:22 - Fire of God's Anger")
* [Psalm 9:17](/psalm/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked Turn to Sheol")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 2:2 stands as a timeless reminder of God's unwavering justice and the inevitable consequences of sin. For believers today, this passage calls us to a profound understanding of God's character: He is not only merciful and loving but also perfectly righteous and just. No act of cruelty, injustice, or desecration escapes His notice, whether committed by individuals or nations. This should inspire a deep commitment to living righteously, pursuing justice, and extending compassion, even to those we consider adversaries, because God's standards transcend human distinctions. It also reinforces the reliability of God's word; what He declares, He will bring to pass, giving us confidence in His promises and warnings. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to examine our own hearts and societies, asking if our actions align with the universal moral principles upheld by a holy God who will ultimately judge all works.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's judgment on Moab for an act of cruelty against an enemy challenge our understanding of justice and mercy in conflict?**
* **In what ways might our own society or even our personal lives exhibit "tumult," "shouting," or "trumpet sounds" that signify spiritual or moral decay?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on Moab strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's promises and warnings for today?**
* **What specific actions can I take to promote justice and compassion in my sphere of influence, reflecting God's universal standards?**

### FAQ

**What was the specific sin of Moab that led to this severe judgment?**

Answer: The specific sin of Moab, detailed in [Amos 2:1](/amos/2-1 "Amos 2:1 - Moab's Transgression"), was the burning of the bones of the king of Edom into lime. This was an act of extreme desecration and cruelty, violating common ancient Near Eastern customs that respected the dead. It went beyond the normal brutality of warfare, demonstrating profound contempt and hatred, which God deemed worthy of severe judgment.

**What is the significance of "Kerioth" in this prophecy?**

Answer: Kerioth (Hebrew: _Qᵉrîyôwth'_ H7152) was a prominent city in Moab, likely a royal or administrative center, making it a symbol of Moab's power and national identity. The prophecy that "fire upon Moab" would "devour the palaces of Kerioth" signifies that God's judgment would not be superficial but would strike at the very heart of Moabite strength and leadership, leading to a complete and devastating downfall of the nation. Its destruction represents the comprehensive nature of God's wrath against their sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amos 2:2 speaks directly of God's judgment upon a Gentile nation for its sin, it points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's justice and the resolution of sin through Jesus Christ. The "fire" of divine wrath, so vividly depicted here, foreshadows the consuming holiness of God that must confront all unrighteousness. Yet, in the New Testament, we see this wrath not primarily poured out on nations in a general sense, but uniquely absorbed by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, endured the full "tumult" and "shouting" of God's judgment against humanity's sin, becoming the ultimate sacrifice so that those who believe might escape the condemnation and "die" no longer in their sins but to them ([Romans 6:11](/romans/6-11 "Romans 6:11 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Thus, the judgment on Moab, while historical, serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of sin and the certainty of God's justice, ultimately leading us to appreciate the profound grace found in Christ, who bore the full weight of divine judgment so that we might have life and peace ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). He is the one who ultimately conquers the chaos of sin and death, ushering in an era of true peace and righteousness ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")).

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

Jeremiah 48:24

And upon Kerioth, and upon Bozrah, and upon all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

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 1:14

But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

Jeremiah 48:34

From the cry of Heshbon [even] unto Elealeh, [and even] unto Jahaz, have they uttered their voice, from Zoar [even] unto Horonaim, [as] an heifer of three years old: for the waters also of Nimrim shall be desolate.

Isaiah 9:5

For every battle of the warrior [is] with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but [this] shall be with burning [and] fuel of fire.