2:2 2:2

Amos 2:3

2:4 2:4

Bible Versions

And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.
And I will cut off {H3772} the judge {H8199} from the midst {H7130} thereof, and will slay {H2026} all the princes {H8269} thereof with him, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}.
I will cut off the judge from among them and kill all his princes with him," says ADONAI.
I will cut off the ruler of Moab and kill all the officials with him,” says the LORD.
and I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith Jehovah.

Amos 2:3 (KJV): "And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD."

Context

Amos 2:3 is part of a series of divine judgments pronounced by the prophet Amos against various nations surrounding Israel and Judah. This particular verse concludes the judgment against the nation of Moab, which began in Amos 2:1. Moab's specific transgression, deemed an act of extreme barbarity and disrespect for the dead, was the burning of the bones of the king of Edom into lime. This act violated not only common human decency but also ancient Near Eastern customs regarding the treatment of deceased royalty. The judgments in Amos demonstrate God's universal sovereignty, holding all nations accountable for their actions, not just His covenant people. The pronouncements in Amos 1-2 highlight the escalating nature of sin and the certainty of divine retribution.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: This verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute authority over all nations and His readiness to execute judgment. The phrase "saith the LORD" underscores the divine origin and unchangeable nature of this decree. God is not merely the God of Israel but the sovereign Lord of all creation.
  • Accountability of Leadership: The specific target of judgment in this verse—the "judge" and "princes"—emphasizes that those in positions of power and authority are not exempt from God's justice. Their destruction signifies the complete dismantling of Moab's political and social structure, ensuring the nation's utter collapse. This serves as a warning that leaders bear significant responsibility before God for the actions of their nation.
  • Consequences of Inhumanity: The judgment against Moab directly stems from an act of extreme cruelty and desecration. This highlights God's abhorrence of inhumanity and His commitment to justice, even for those considered enemies. The severity of the punishment reflects the gravity of Moab's sin, reinforcing the principle that wicked actions have severe consequences.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: The declarative nature of "I will cut off" and "I will slay" points to the certainty of God's prophetic word. What God declares will come to pass, reinforcing the reliability of His warnings and promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "judge" is shofet (שֹׁפֵט), which can refer to a ruler, a magistrate, or even a king, signifying the highest judicial and governing authority. The word for "princes" is sarim (שָׂרִים), denoting high-ranking officials, nobles, or military commanders. The combination of these terms indicates a comprehensive removal of Moab's entire leadership structure. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD" (נְאֻם יְהוָה - ne'um Yahweh), is a common prophetic formula that authenticates the message as a direct utterance from God, emphasizing its divine authority and certainty.

Practical Application

Amos 2:3 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • God's Justice is Universal: We are reminded that God is just and holds all people and nations accountable for their actions, regardless of their religious affiliation or perceived power. This encourages a reverence for God's holy character and His moral standards for all humanity.
  • Leadership Bears Responsibility: The verse serves as a sober reminder that those in positions of leadership, whether in government, business, or the church, have a greater responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness. Their actions, both good and bad, have far-reaching consequences and will ultimately be judged by God. This aligns with principles found in passages like Romans 13:1-7.
  • Consequences for Cruelty: Acts of cruelty, disrespect, and inhumanity are deeply offensive to God. This verse underscores the importance of treating all people with dignity and compassion, reflecting God's own character. It challenges us to stand against injustice and advocate for the vulnerable.
  • Trust in God's Word: The definitive "saith the LORD" reassures us that God's promises and warnings are unfailing. We can trust that His word will be fulfilled, providing both comfort in His faithfulness and caution regarding His judgments.
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.

  • Jeremiah 48:7

    For because thou hast trusted in thy works and in thy treasures, thou shalt also be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity [with] his priests and his princes together.

  • Numbers 24:17

    I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

  • Isaiah 40:23

    That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

  • Jeremiah 48:25

    The horn of Moab is cut off, and his arm is broken, saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 2:10

    ¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
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