Amos 3:9

¶ Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof.

Publish {H8085} in the palaces {H759} at Ashdod {H795}, and in the palaces {H759} in the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, and say {H559}, Assemble {H622} yourselves upon the mountains {H2022} of Samaria {H8111}, and behold {H7200} the great {H7227} tumults {H4103} in the midst {H7130} thereof, and the oppressed {H6217} in the midst {H8432} thereof.

"Proclaim it on the palaces in Ashdod and on the palaces in the land of Egypt; say: 'Assemble yourselves on the hills of Shomron! See what great tumult is seething within it, how much oppression is being done there.'

Proclaim to the citadels of Ashdod and to the citadels of Egypt: “Assemble on the mountains of Samaria; see the great unrest in the city and the acts of oppression in her midst.”

Publish ye in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold what great tumults are therein, and what oppressions in the midst thereof.

Amos 3:9 serves as a dramatic and ironic prophetic declaration, where God, through the prophet Amos, calls upon pagan nations—Philistia (represented by Ashdod) and Egypt—to witness the rampant social injustice and moral decay within Israel, specifically in its capital, Samaria.

Context

The prophet Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah, was called by God to deliver a message of judgment primarily to the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of relative prosperity under King Jeroboam II. Despite their material wealth, the Israelites had abandoned God's laws, engaging in idolatry and severe social oppression. In Amos 3, God outlines His unique relationship with Israel (see Amos 3:2), which implies a greater accountability. Verse 9 intensifies this by inviting Israel's historical enemies to observe their moral failings, turning them into unwilling witnesses against God's own people.

  • Ashdod: A prominent Philistine city, part of a people who were often Israel's adversaries.
  • Egypt: A powerful ancient empire, from which God had miraculously delivered Israel, but which Israel often looked to for alliances instead of trusting Him.
  • Samaria: The opulent capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, notorious for its luxurious lifestyle built on the exploitation of the poor.

Key Themes

  • Divine Indictment: God brings a formal charge against Israel, highlighting their spiritual and moral bankruptcy. The very nations that Israel might have considered less righteous are called to witness Israel's greater sin.
  • Social Injustice: The core accusation against Samaria is the presence of "great tumults" (disorder, violence, internal chaos) and "the oppressed." This refers to the systemic exploitation of the poor and vulnerable by the wealthy elite, a recurring theme in Amos's prophecy.
  • Witness of Foreign Nations: The command to "publish in the palaces" of Ashdod and Egypt is deeply ironic and humiliating for Israel. It signifies that Israel's wickedness was so egregious that even pagan nations, who did not have the covenant law, could recognize its depravity and would serve as impartial observers of God's impending judgment.
  • Accountability: Despite being God's chosen people, Israel was not exempt from judgment but was held to a higher standard due to their covenant relationship, as emphasized in Amos 3:2.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "publish" (הַשְׁמִיעוּ - hashmi'u) is an imperative, meaning "cause to hear" or "proclaim aloud." This underscores the divine command and the public nature of the indictment. The term "tumults" (מְהוּמֹת - mehumot) denotes confusion, disorder, and violent disturbances, reflecting the internal chaos and moral decay within Samaria. The "oppressed" (עֲשׁוּקִים - 'ashuqim) are those who are defrauded, exploited, or unjustly treated, painting a vivid picture of the social conditions that provoked God's wrath.

Practical Application

Amos 3:9 serves as a timeless reminder that God sees and abhors injustice. It challenges believers today to examine their own lives and societies for similar patterns of oppression and neglect of the vulnerable. Just as God held ancient Israel accountable, He calls His people to pursue justice and righteousness, not merely religious ritual. The verse also highlights that true faith is demonstrated not just in personal piety but in how we treat others, especially the marginalized. God's standard of righteousness is universal, and His judgment is impartial, exposing hypocrisy wherever it exists.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Amos 4:1

    ¶ Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that [are] in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

  • Amos 6:1

    ¶ Woe to them [that are] at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, [which are] named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

  • Amos 1:8

    And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Jeremiah 31:5

    Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat [them] as common things.

  • Jeremiah 50:2

    Declare ye among the nations, and publish, and set up a standard; publish, [and] conceal not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces.

  • 1 Samuel 5:1

    ¶ And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Ebenezer unto Ashdod.

  • Amos 8:6

    That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back