Amos 5:27

KJV

Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the LORD, whose name [is] The God of hosts.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity {H1540} beyond {H1973} Damascus {H1834}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, whose name {H8034} is The God {H430} of hosts {H6635}.

Complete Jewish Bible

as I exile you beyond Dammesek," says Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot - that is his name.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Damascus,” says the LORD, whose name is the God of Hosts.

American Standard Version

Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith Jehovah, whose name is the God of hosts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 5:27 delivers a severe prophetic declaration of divine judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel, announcing their inevitable and far-reaching exile. Due to their persistent idolatry, social injustice, and insincere worship, the Lord Himself, identified as "The God of hosts," would orchestrate their forced removal into captivity, to a destination far beyond Damascus, signifying the completeness and severity of their punishment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 5:27 serves as the climactic pronouncement of judgment within a broader section of warning and lament in the book of Amos. The preceding verses in [Amos 5](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - A Call to Seek the Lord") reveal God's deep disappointment with Israel's religious hypocrisy, where outward rituals were performed without genuine righteousness or justice ([Amos 5:21-23](/amos/5-21-23 "Amos 5:21-23 - God Rejects Insincere Worship")). The prophet's urgent call to "seek the LORD and live" ([Amos 5:6](/amos/5-6 "Amos 5:6 - Seek the Lord and Live")) and to "let justice roll down like waters" ([Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")) highlights the moral and spiritual bankruptcy that necessitated such a drastic divine intervention. This verse underscores that God's patience has reached its limit, and the promised judgment is now certain.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amos prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II (c. 793-753 BC), a period characterized by remarkable economic prosperity and political stability. However, beneath this veneer of success lay deep-seated social inequality, rampant injustice, and widespread idolatry, particularly the worship of golden calves at Bethel and Dan, sanctioned by the monarchy. The phrase "beyond Damascus" is a chilling reference to the rising power of the Assyrian Empire, known for its brutal deportation policies that scattered conquered peoples far from their homelands to break their national identity. Damascus, a prominent Aramean city, was a familiar geographical marker for Israel, but "beyond" it pointed to the distant, unknown territories of Assyria, specifically Mesopotamia, where Israel would eventually be exiled in 722 BC.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 5:27 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Amos and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Judgment**, portraying God's righteous and inevitable response to unrepentant sin, particularly social injustice and idolatry. Secondly, it illustrates the severe **Consequences of Disobedience**, demonstrating that violating God's covenant, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), leads to dire repercussions, including national exile. Thirdly, the declaration "saith the LORD, whose name is The God of hosts" underscores **God's Sovereignty** over history, nations, and the execution of His word. This judgment is not a random calamity but a divinely ordained act, confirming that the Lord is the ultimate commander of all forces, capable of fulfilling His every decree.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **captivity (Hebrew, _gâlâh'_):** From the primitive root H1540, "gâlâh" primarily means "to denude," especially in a disgraceful sense, and by implication, "to exile." This word choice emphasizes not just a simple relocation, but a forceful, humiliating, and complete removal from one's homeland, often involving being stripped of possessions and dignity. It conveys the idea of being uncovered or revealed in one's vulnerability, highlighting the shame and helplessness of the exiled people.
* **beyond (Hebrew, _hâlᵉʼâh'_):** From H1973, "hâlᵉʼâh" signifies "to the distance" or "far away." When combined with "Damascus," it indicates a destination much further than the familiar Aramean capital. This adverb emphasizes the extreme extent and thoroughness of the impending exile, implying that Israel would be scattered far into Assyrian territory, making return virtually impossible and underscoring the severity and permanence of the judgment.
* **The God of hosts (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym tsâbâʼ'_):** This powerful divine title combines H430 ("ʼĕlôhîym," God, often referring to the supreme God) and H6635 ("tsâbâʼ," a mass of persons, an army, or hosts). "Yᵉhôvâh" (H3068), the LORD, is the one whose name is "The God of hosts." This designation portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, the sovereign ruler over all creation and historical events. It underscores His omnipotence, authority, and absolute ability to execute His declared will, whether in judgment or salvation, making the prophecy of exile an undeniable certainty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative and the specific nature of the impending judgment. "Therefore" links this consequence directly to Israel's unrepentant sin and hypocrisy detailed earlier in [Amos 5](/amos/5 "Amos 5 - Judgment and Call to Repentance"). The declaration "I will cause you" emphasizes God's active role in orchestrating this exile, not merely permitting it. The destination "beyond Damascus" signifies a complete and distant deportation, far from their familiar land, into the heart of Assyrian territory, ensuring the thoroughness of the punishment.
* **"saith the LORD,"**: This phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, authenticating the prophecy as a direct, authoritative word from God Himself. It removes any doubt about the source or certainty of the pronouncement, indicating that this is not Amos's personal opinion but a revelation from the Almighty. It highlights God's direct communication and His unwavering commitment to His word.
* **"whose name [is] The God of hosts."**: This concluding phrase identifies the speaker with a majestic and formidable title. "The God of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) emphasizes God's supreme power, His command over all celestial and terrestrial armies, and His ultimate sovereignty. This title serves as a powerful guarantee that the judgment declared will indeed come to pass, for the one who speaks is the all-powerful, irresistible Lord of all creation, capable of executing His will without hindrance.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 5:27 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. The most prominent is **Divine Oracle**, explicitly marked by the phrase "saith the LORD," which authenticates the prophecy as a direct, irrefutable word from God. This device imbues the pronouncement with absolute authority and certainty. **Symbolism** is present in the phrase "beyond Damascus," which serves not only as a geographical indicator but also as a powerful symbol of complete and irreversible exile, signifying a destination so far and foreign that return would be nearly impossible, thus emphasizing the thoroughness of God's judgment. The title "The God of hosts" functions as a form of **Epithet** or **Divine Appellation**, underscoring God's omnipotence and His role as the sovereign commander of all forces, ensuring the fulfillment of His word. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a direct prediction of future events, specifically the Assyrian captivity, which would historically unfold as a direct consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 5:27 stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering justice and His covenant faithfulness, even in judgment. It reveals that while God is merciful and patient, His holiness demands a response to persistent sin, particularly when it manifests as religious hypocrisy and social injustice. The exile is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of Israel's repeated violations of the covenant, fulfilling the curses outlined in the Torah. This verse underscores the principle that God's character as both loving and just means He will not allow sin to go unpunished indefinitely. It reminds us that divine judgment is an expression of His righteous governance over His creation and His commitment to His own holy name.

* [Deuteronomy 28:64](/deuteronomy/28-64 "Deuteronomy 28:64 - Scattered Among All Peoples")
* [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Assyrian Exile of Israel")
* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Holiness of the Lord of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 5:27 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that God's justice is an immutable aspect of His character. For those who claim His name, there is a profound call to genuine righteousness, not merely outward religious observance. The judgment pronounced upon Israel for their idolatry, social injustice, and insincere worship echoes through the ages, urging believers today to examine the authenticity of their faith. Are we truly seeking the Lord, or are we content with superficial spirituality? Are we allowing injustice to fester in our communities, or are we actively pursuing righteousness and compassion? This verse challenges us to consider the consequences of spiritual complacency and warns against the dangers of a faith that is divorced from ethical living. It calls for a heart of repentance and a commitment to living out the implications of God's character in every sphere of life, recognizing that the "God of hosts" is sovereign over all and will surely bring His word to pass.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's character as "The God of hosts" inform our understanding of His judgment and sovereignty over all nations and history?**
* **In what ways might we, like ancient Israel, be tempted to offer insincere worship or neglect justice and compassion in our lives or communities?**
* **What specific actions can we take to ensure our worship is genuine, our lives reflect God's call for righteousness, and we actively pursue justice for the vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**What does "beyond Damascus" signify in this prophecy?**

Answer: "Beyond Damascus" is a crucial geographical and symbolic reference. Geographically, Damascus was a well-known city to Israel, but "beyond" it pointed to the distant lands of Mesopotamia, specifically Assyria, which was the rising superpower at the time. Symbolically, it signified a complete and far-reaching exile, emphasizing that the Israelites would be taken far from their homeland, deep into foreign territory, where their national identity would be broken and their return would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, for many. It underscores the severity and thoroughness of God's judgment.

**Why is God referred to as "The God of hosts" in this context?**

Answer: The title "The God of hosts" (YHWH Sabaoth) is a powerful declaration of God's supreme authority and omnipotence. In this context, it emphasizes that the one pronouncing judgment is not merely a local deity but the sovereign Lord of all creation, the commander of heavenly armies, and the ultimate power behind all historical events. It underscores His absolute ability to execute His will, including the severe judgment of exile, making the prophecy a certain and unavoidable reality. This title reinforces the idea that the judgment is divinely ordained and irresistibly powerful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amos 5:27 pronounces a specific judgment of physical exile upon ancient Israel, it also points to a deeper spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ. Israel's captivity "beyond Damascus" foreshadows humanity's universal spiritual exile from God due to sin, a state of alienation and bondage that no human effort could overcome. Just as God actively "caused" Israel to go into captivity, so too is humanity inherently captive to sin and death ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - Wages of Sin")). However, the "God of hosts" who declared judgment in Amos is the same God who, in His infinite mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to conquer this ultimate captivity. Christ's death on the cross serves as the ultimate act of divine justice, absorbing the judgment due to humanity, and His resurrection demonstrates His power as the true "Lord of hosts," triumphing over sin, death, and all spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Through faith in Him, believers are delivered from the dominion of darkness and brought into the kingdom of His beloved Son, where they find true freedom and reconciliation with God ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, the physical exile of Israel ultimately points to the spiritual liberation offered by Christ, who gathers His people from every "beyond Damascus" into His eternal presence, where there will be no more separation or sorrow ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God Dwells with His People")).

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

2 Kings 17:6

In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor [by] the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

Acts 7:43

Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

Amos 4:13

For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name.

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.