Amos 5:9

That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.

That strengtheneth {H1082} the spoiled {H7701} against the strong {H5794}, so that the spoiled {H7701} shall come {H935} against the fortress {H4013}.

he flashes destruction on the strong, so that destruction overcomes the fortress.

He flashes destruction on the strong, so that fury comes upon the stronghold.

that bringeth sudden destruction upon the strong, so that destruction cometh upon the fortress.

Commentary

Amos 5:9, from the Old Testament prophetic book of Amos, delivers a powerful statement about God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly His commitment to justice. This verse highlights a core aspect of divine character: the ability and willingness to reverse the fortunes of the powerful and the oppressed, bringing judgment upon those who perpetuate injustice.

Context

The book of Amos, written by a shepherd and fig-picker from Judah, is primarily a message of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel for their social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and idolatry. Chapter 5 begins with a lament for Israel's impending fall but quickly shifts to a call for repentance and a description of God's righteous character. Verses 8 and 9 form a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, immediately following a description of His cosmic power as the Creator who "maketh the seven stars and Orion" (Amos 5:8). This divine power is not only evident in creation but also in His moral governance of the world. Amos 5:9 specifically warns the complacent and oppressive elite of Israel that their seemingly impregnable power will be challenged by God's intervention on behalf of those they have wronged.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice: This verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice, particularly for the vulnerable. He is not indifferent to the suffering of the "spoiled" or plundered.
  • Reversal of Fortunes: It prophesies a dramatic shift in power dynamics. The "spoiled" (the oppressed, the plundered) will be empowered by God to confront and overcome the "strong" (the oppressors) and their "fortress" (their secure strongholds). This theme resonates with other biblical passages about God bringing down the proud and exalting the humble (Luke 1:52).
  • God's Sovereignty and Power: The verse emphasizes that God is omnipotent, capable of breaking through any human-made strength or security. No human power or fortified position can withstand His will when He acts to uphold righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "spoiled" to translate the Hebrew word *shadad* (ืฉึธืื“ึทื“), which means "to devastate, ruin, or plunder." Here, in its passive form, it refers to those who have been plundered or made desolate. The "strong" comes from *chazaq* (ื—ึธื–ึธืง), denoting those who are mighty or powerful, often in a military or socio-economic sense. "Fortress" is *mivtzar* (ืžึดื‘ึฐืฆึธืจ), a fortified place or stronghold. The imagery powerfully depicts the seemingly insurmountable advantage of the oppressors and the miraculous, divine intervention required to overcome it, highlighting that God will empower the utterly broken against the seemingly unassailable.

Practical Application

Amos 5:9 serves as both a warning and a source of hope. For those who exploit or oppress others, it is a stark reminder that their power and security are ultimately fragile in the face of divine justice. God sees injustice, and He acts to rectify it. For the oppressed, the marginalized, and those who have suffered at the hands of the powerful, this verse offers immense encouragement. It affirms that God is their defender, capable of strengthening them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and confront the very structures that have caused their suffering. It calls believers today to not only trust in God's justice but also to actively pursue righteousness and stand with the vulnerable, as exhorted in Amos 5:24, where justice is urged to "roll down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream."

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:34

    Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

  • Micah 5:11

    And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds:

  • 2 Kings 13:25

    And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 37:10

    For though ye had smitten the whole army of the Chaldeans that fight against you, and there remained [but] wounded men among them, [yet] should they rise up every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.

  • 2 Kings 13:17

    And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened [it]. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD'S deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed [them].
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