Amos 2:9

KJV

¶ Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yet destroyed {H8045} I the Amorite {H567} before {H6440} them, whose height {H1363} was like the height {H1363} of the cedars {H730}, and he was strong {H2634} as the oaks {H437}; yet I destroyed {H8045} his fruit {H6529} from above {H4605}, and his roots {H8328} from beneath.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I destroyed the Emori before them; though tall as cedars and strong as oaks, I destroyed their fruit above and their root below.

Berean Standard Bible

Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below.

American Standard Version

Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 2:9 powerfully recounts God's decisive and complete victory over the formidable Amorites, a testament to His omnipotence and faithfulness in clearing the land for Israel. This historical act of deliverance serves as a stark reminder of God's past blessings, setting the stage for His severe indictment against Israel's profound ingratitude and rebellion, which stand in stark contrast to His unwavering power and covenant loyalty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 2:9 is strategically positioned within a series of judgment oracles that begin with nations surrounding Israel (Amos 1:3-2:3), then Judah (Amos 2:4-5), and finally culminate in a detailed condemnation of Israel itself (Amos 2:6-16). This particular verse initiates God's direct address to Israel, immediately following the pronouncement of their specific transgressions. By recalling His mighty acts on their behalf, such as the destruction of the Amorites, God establishes the profound depth of their ingratitude and the inexcusability of their sin. It functions as a powerful rhetorical device, highlighting the contrast between God's past faithfulness and Israel's present faithlessness, thereby justifying the severity of the impending judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Amorites were a prominent and powerful group of Canaanite inhabitants whom the Israelites encountered during their conquest of the Promised Land. They were known for their military prowess and fortified cities, often depicted as giants or formidable adversaries in biblical narratives (e.g., [Numbers 13:28-33](/numbers/13-28-33 "Numbers 13:28-33 - Report of the Spies")). The imagery of "cedars" and "oaks" is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture, where these trees symbolized strength, longevity, and grandeur. Cedars of Lebanon, in particular, were prized for their immense height and durability, often used in monumental construction, while oaks, with their deep root systems, represented stability and resilience. God's complete destruction of such a formidable people, "from above" and "from beneath," would have been a well-known and foundational historical event for the Israelites, signifying His absolute power and commitment to His covenant promises to give them the land (as seen in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **God's Omnipotence and Sovereign Deliverance**. The description of the Amorites' immense stature and strength serves to magnify God's power, demonstrating that no human or natural force can withstand His will. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Justice and Righteous Judgment**. The destruction of the Amorites was not arbitrary but a righteous act against their deep-seated wickedness and idolatry, clearing the land for God's chosen people. This aligns with the principle seen in [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4-5 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not Because of Your Righteousness") that God dispossessed the nations because of their wickedness. Lastly, the verse emphasizes **Israel's Ingratitude and Accountability**. By reminding Israel of this extraordinary act of deliverance, God accentuates the profound depth of their spiritual failure. Despite receiving such a clear demonstration of His power and faithfulness, Israel had turned away, adopting the very sins of the nations God had driven out, thus making their impending judgment all the more deserved.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Amorite (Hebrew, _ʼĔmôrîy'_):** This term refers to one of the prominent Canaanitish tribes inhabiting the land before Israel's conquest. Derived from a root suggesting "prominence" or "mountaineer," the Amorites were often depicted as a powerful, formidable people, symbolizing the seemingly insurmountable obstacles God overcame for Israel. Their destruction was a foundational act of divine power and covenant fulfillment.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâmad'_):** This primitive root signifies "to desolate," "destroy," "bring to nought," or "utterly overthrow." In Amos 2:9, it emphasizes the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's judgment against the Amorites. It implies a complete eradication, leaving no remnant, underscoring the finality of God's intervention.
* **strong (Hebrew, _châçôn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be powerful," this word describes the formidable might and resilience of the Amorites. When compared to "oaks," known for their deep roots and robustness, it paints a vivid picture of an enemy that was deeply entrenched and seemingly unyielding, further magnifying the power of God who utterly destroyed them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them":** This clause immediately establishes the divine agent ("I" – referring to Yahweh) and the object of His powerful action (the "Amorite"). The phrase "before them" (Israel) highlights God's direct intervention on behalf of His people, emphasizing His role as their deliverer and covenant keeper. It recalls a foundational historical event, reminding Israel of the formidable enemies God overcame for them.
* **"whose height [was] like the height of the cedars, and he [was] strong as the oaks":** This vivid descriptive clause uses powerful natural imagery to characterize the Amorites. Comparing their "height" to "cedars" (renowned for their immense stature) and their "strength" to "oaks" (known for their deep roots and resilience) hyperbolically portrays them as an exceptionally powerful, deeply entrenched, and seemingly invincible force. This serves to magnify the subsequent demonstration of God's superior power.
* **"yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath":** This concluding clause reiterates God's decisive action and employs a powerful metaphor for total annihilation. "Fruit from above" refers to the visible offspring or produce, while "roots from beneath" signifies the very foundation or source of life. Destroying both signifies a complete and utter eradication, leaving no possibility of regrowth, resurgence, or legacy. It underscores the totality and finality of God's judgment against them.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 2:9 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine power and judgment. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the Amorites as having a "height like the height of the cedars" and being "strong as the oaks." These exaggerated comparisons emphasize the immense stature and formidable strength of the Amorites, making God's subsequent destruction of them even more awe-inspiring. A **Simile** is explicitly used with "like the height of the cedars" and "as the oaks," drawing direct comparisons to well-known symbols of grandeur and robustness. Furthermore, the phrase "destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath" is a powerful **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent a whole. By mentioning both the "fruit" (the visible, upper part) and the "roots" (the hidden, foundational part), the prophet conveys the idea of complete and total destruction, leaving absolutely nothing behind. This imagery profoundly illustrates the comprehensive and decisive nature of God's judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 2:9 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty, His covenant faithfulness, and the inevitable consequences of sin. It reminds Israel, and by extension, all believers, that God is not merely a distant deity but an active, powerful agent in human history, capable of overcoming any obstacle for the sake of His purposes and His people. The destruction of the Amorites, a formidable and deeply entrenched enemy, serves as a historical precedent for God's ability to clear the way for His kingdom and to execute righteous judgment against wickedness. This act of divine power, however, also underscores the profound ingratitude of Israel, who, despite such a mighty deliverance, turned away from God's covenant, thereby inviting His just wrath. The verse thus highlights the principle that great privilege comes with great responsibility, and divine blessings, if met with rebellion, will lead to divine accountability.

* [Deuteronomy 9:1-5](/deuteronomy/9-1-5 "Deuteronomy 9:1-5 - God Dispossesses Nations for Their Wickedness")
* [Psalm 44:1-3](/psalms/44-1-3 "Psalm 44:1-3 - God's Mighty Hand, Not Our Own")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23-24 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 2:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, urging us to reflect on God's enduring power and our own responses to His grace. Just as God reminded Israel of His mighty acts of deliverance, we are called to intentionally remember and recount the ways God has intervened in our lives, overcome our "Amorites," and cleared paths for us. This practice of remembering His past faithfulness can powerfully strengthen our faith in the face of present challenges, reminding us that no obstacle, no matter how deeply rooted or towering, is too great for our sovereign God. Furthermore, this verse serves as a sober warning against spiritual complacency and ingratitude. When we take God's blessings for granted, or worse, turn away from His commands despite His goodness, we risk incurring His righteous displeasure. Our response to God's grace should be one of humble obedience and steadfast devotion, not rebellion. Ultimately, Amos 2:9 encourages us to trust in God's complete victory over all opposing forces, whether they are personal struggles, societal evils, or spiritual strongholds, knowing that He is able to destroy both "fruit from above" and "roots from beneath," leaving no remnant of that which opposes His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Amorites" (formidable obstacles or deeply entrenched sins) in your life has God already overcome, and how does remembering those victories strengthen your faith today?**
* **In what ways might you be taking God's past blessings or present grace for granted, leading to spiritual complacency or ingratitude?**
* **How does the completeness of God's destruction of the Amorites (fruit from above, roots from beneath) encourage you to trust in His ability to bring total victory over the challenges you face?**
* **What specific actions can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and obedience in response to God's demonstrated power and faithfulness in your life?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Amorites, and why were they destroyed by God?**

Answer: The Amorites were a prominent and powerful group of Canaanite inhabitants who occupied the land that God promised to Abraham's descendants. They were known for their great stature, strength, and fortified cities, representing a formidable obstacle to Israel's settlement. God destroyed them primarily because of their profound wickedness and idolatry, as foretold in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites"), where God states that the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet complete. Their destruction was an act of divine justice, clearing the land for Israel to establish a righteous nation and fulfill God's covenant purposes.

**What is the significance of comparing the Amorites to "cedars" and "oaks"?**

Answer: The comparison of the Amorites to "cedars" and "oaks" is a powerful use of **hyperbole** and **simile** to emphasize their immense stature, strength, and deep entrenchment in the land. Cedars of Lebanon were renowned for their towering height and durability, while oaks were known for their robust nature and deep, stable root systems. By likening the Amorites to these trees, the prophet Amos vividly portrays them as a seemingly invincible and deeply established people. This imagery serves to magnify God's power, demonstrating that even such a formidable foe was utterly powerless before Him, highlighting the totality of His victory.

**How does Amos 2:9 relate to Israel's unfaithfulness and God's judgment on them?**

Answer: Amos 2:9 serves as a crucial rhetorical foundation for God's indictment against Israel. By reminding them of His past, mighty act of delivering them from the formidable Amorites, God highlights the profound depth of their ingratitude and rebellion. He had demonstrated His power and faithfulness by clearing the land for them, yet Israel had turned away from Him, adopting the very sins of the nations God had driven out. This historical memory underscores their inexcusable spiritual failure and justifies the severity of the impending judgment God pronounces upon them in the subsequent verses of [Amos 2](/amos/2 "Amos 2 - Judgment Against Israel"). It emphasizes that great privilege and blessing come with great accountability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 2:9, while rooted in Israel's historical deliverance, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The destruction of the Amorites, a powerful and deeply entrenched enemy, foreshadows Christ's decisive victory over the spiritual forces of darkness, sin, and death—the ultimate "Amorites" that held humanity captive. Just as God "destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath" concerning the Amorites, Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection achieved a total and complete triumph over the powers that opposed God. He disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")), utterly destroying the "fruit" (their visible dominion) and the "roots" (their very foundation and power). Through His death, Jesus rendered powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")), and came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil")). Thus, the historical act in Amos 2:9 serves as a powerful type, pointing to the greater, spiritual deliverance accomplished by the Lamb of God, who clears the way not for a physical land, but for an eternal kingdom for all who believe.

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

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Job 18:16

His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.

Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

Deuteronomy 2:24

¶ Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon: behold, I have given into thine hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land: begin to possess [it], and contend with him in battle.

Deuteronomy 2:33

And the LORD our God delivered him before us; and we smote him, and his sons, and all his people.

Exodus 34:11

Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

Numbers 21:23

And Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.