Amos 6:12

KJV

Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall horses {H5483} run {H7323} upon the rock {H5553}? will one plow {H2790} there with oxen {H1241}? for ye have turned {H2015} judgment {H4941} into gall {H7219}, and the fruit {H6529} of righteousness {H6666} into hemlock {H3939}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Do horses run on rock? Does one plow there with oxen? Yet you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into bitter wormwood.

Berean Standard Bible

“Do horses gallop on the cliffs? Does one plow the sea with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood—

American Standard Version

Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plowtherewith oxen? that ye have turned justice into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:12 delivers a scathing indictment against the complacent and corrupt elite of Israel, using two rhetorical questions to highlight the utter perversion of justice and righteousness within the nation. The prophet declares that just as it is absurd and impossible for horses to run on jagged rocks or oxen to plow stony ground, so too has Israel's leadership turned the very essence of equitable judgment into a bitter poison and the expected fruit of righteous living into a deadly, toxic substance. This verse powerfully encapsulates the moral decay and the unnatural state of a society that has abandoned divine standards of justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6:12 is situated within a series of "woes" pronounced by the prophet Amos against the Northern Kingdom of Israel, particularly its ruling class and wealthy citizens in Samaria. Chapter 6 specifically condemns their self-indulgent luxury, false sense of security, and indifference to the impending judgment and the suffering of the poor. The preceding verses (Amos 6:1-11) detail their opulent lifestyles, their musical revelry, their consumption of fine wines, and their lack of concern for the "ruin of Joseph" (Amos 6:6). Verse 12 serves as a rhetorical climax, shifting from a description of their luxurious complacency to a direct, unanswerable challenge regarding the fundamental perversion of their moral and legal foundations. It underscores the profound absurdity and unnaturalness of their actions, setting the stage for the declaration of severe judgment that follows in Amos 6:14.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies of Amos were delivered during the reign of Jeroboam II (c. 786-746 BC) in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a period marked by significant economic prosperity and territorial expansion. This outward success, however, masked deep-seated social injustice, moral decay, and spiritual apostasy. The wealthy elite in cities like Samaria lived in opulence, often at the expense of the poor and vulnerable, exploiting them through corrupt legal systems and oppressive practices. The imagery of horses running on rocks and oxen plowing with oxen on rocks would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society. Plowing with oxen was a foundational agricultural practice, requiring fertile, arable land. Horses were used for speed and warfare, requiring stable ground. The scenarios presented are physically impossible or utterly unproductive, highlighting the complete reversal of natural order and divine law that had occurred in Israel's societal and judicial systems.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Amos. First, it is a stark illustration of the **perversion of justice**, a central concern for Amos. The prophet consistently calls for justice to be upheld, famously declaring in [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters") that justice should "roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." Here, instead of flowing freely and purely, judgment has become "gall," a bitter and poisonous substance. Second, the rhetorical questions emphasize the **unnatural and absurd behavior** of the nation. Their moral and ethical conduct is presented as fundamentally contrary to the divine order, as illogical and impossible as the physical scenarios described. Third, the verse highlights the **corruption of righteousness**. Righteousness, which should yield good and life-giving "fruit," has instead produced "hemlock," another toxic plant. This signifies a profound moral and spiritual failure, where even the semblance of good has become deadly, echoing Amos's call to "[seek good, and not evil](/amos/5-14 "Amos 5:14 - Seek Good, Not Evil")" and to "[hate the evil, and love the good](/amos/5-15 "Amos 5:15 - Hate Evil, Love Good")" in the public square.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hâphak (Hebrew, _hâphak'_):** From H2015, meaning "to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert." This word is crucial as it describes the active, deliberate action of Israel's leaders. They haven't merely neglected justice; they have *turned* or *perverted* it. This implies a willful distortion and reversal of what is right and natural, transforming something intended for good into its opposite.
* **mishpâṭ (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From H4941, properly "a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree... abstractly, justice, including a participant's right or privilege." This word signifies the entire system of legal and moral governance, the standard of right and wrong, and the equitable administration of law. The perversion of _mishpâṭ_ means that the very foundation of societal order and divine expectation has been corrupted.
* **laʻănâh (Hebrew, _laʻănâh'_):** From H3939, meaning "wormwood (regarded as poisonous, and therefore accursed); hemlock, wormwood." This term, alongside _rôʼsh_ (gall/poison), vividly conveys the outcome of Israel's perversion. It's not just a minor deviation; the result is something intensely bitter, toxic, and deadly. The "fruit of righteousness" should be life-giving and sweet, but it has become a cursed, poisonous substance, signifying complete spiritual and moral decay.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall horses run upon the rock?":** This rhetorical question posits a physically impossible or utterly impractical scenario. Horses, known for their speed and agility, require stable, level ground to run effectively. Jagged, rocky terrain would injure them, impede their progress, and render their natural capabilities useless. The question implies an absurd and unnatural situation.
* **"will [one] plow [there] with oxen?":** This parallel rhetorical question reinforces the theme of absurdity and futility. Oxen are used for plowing, a task that requires fertile, soft soil. Attempting to plow barren rock with oxen would be a pointless, destructive, and impossible endeavor, yielding no harvest. Both questions establish a baseline of natural order and productive activity, against which Israel's actions are contrasted.
* **"for ye have turned judgment into gall":** This clause reveals the direct accusation and the reason for the rhetorical questions. The "turning" (H2015, _hâphak_) signifies a deliberate perversion. "Judgment" (H4941, _mishpâṭ_), representing justice, fairness, and right legal verdicts, has been transformed into "gall" (H7219, _rôʼsh_), a bitter, poisonous substance. This means that what should have been clear, equitable, and life-giving has become corrupt, harmful, and destructive.
* **"and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock":** This parallel clause intensifies the accusation. "Righteousness" (H6666, _tsᵉdâqâh_), which refers to moral uprightness, integrity, and conformity to God's standards, is expected to produce good "fruit" (H6529, _pᵉrîy_). However, in Israel, this fruit has become "hemlock" (H3939, _laʻănâh_), another term for a bitter and poisonous plant. This highlights that even the outcomes of what should be good and godly living have been corrupted into something toxic and deadly, indicating a profound moral and spiritual reversal.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:12 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its message of condemnation. The most prominent are **Rhetorical Questions**, which open the verse. These questions are not meant to be answered but to provoke thought and emphasize the utter absurdity and impossibility of the scenarios they describe. By comparing the perversion of justice to horses running on rocks or oxen plowing them, Amos uses **Analogy** and **Simile** to make the abstract concept of moral decay tangible and shocking. The verse also employs striking **Metaphor** when it states that judgment has been "turned into gall" and the fruit of righteousness into "hemlock." These are not literal transformations but powerful images conveying the toxic, bitter, and deadly nature of corrupted justice. Furthermore, the two main clauses ("ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock") demonstrate clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reinforces and intensifies the meaning of the first, using similar concepts (judgment/righteousness, gall/hemlock) to convey the same overarching message of perversion. Finally, there is a strong element of **Irony** in the expectation of "fruit of righteousness" yielding "hemlock," highlighting the tragic reversal of divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:12 profoundly underscores God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness, revealing His abhorrence for their perversion. In the Old Testament, justice (_mishpâṭ_) and righteousness (_tsᵉdâqâh_) are not merely human ethical concepts but fundamental attributes of God Himself and core requirements of His covenant people. When Israel, chosen to embody God's character to the nations, twisted these foundational principles into something bitter and poisonous, they fundamentally violated their covenant relationship and incurred divine wrath. This verse highlights that true prosperity and societal well-being are not measured by material wealth or military might, but by the integrity of its justice system and the moral character of its people. The perversion described is not just a social problem; it is a theological rebellion against the very nature of God, who is just and righteous in all His ways.

* [Deuteronomy 32:32](/deuteronomy/32-32 "Deuteronomy 32:32 - Their Vine is of the Vine of Sodom")
* [Proverbs 16:25](/proverbs/16-25 "Proverbs 16:25 - There is a Way that Seems Right to a Man")
* [Isaiah 5:7](/isaiah/5-7 "Isaiah 5:7 - For the Vineyard of the LORD of Hosts")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:12 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for individuals and societies alike, challenging us to critically examine the nature of our justice systems, our moral compass, and the outcomes of our actions. In a world often grappling with systemic injustices, corruption, and the erosion of ethical standards, this verse calls us to profound self-reflection. Are we, like ancient Israel, allowing complacency, self-interest, or a false sense of security to blind us to the suffering of others or to the perversion of what is right? Do our personal choices and societal structures truly promote justice and yield the "fruit of righteousness," or have they, perhaps subtly, become sources of bitterness, division, and harm? This passage compels us to actively champion equity, integrity, and compassion, ensuring that our pursuit of what is good and right genuinely produces life-giving results for all, rather than the toxic harvest of injustice. It reminds us that true flourishing, both individually and communally, is inextricably linked to our adherence to God's righteous standards.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be inadvertently "turning judgment into gall" or "the fruit of righteousness into hemlock" through complacency or inaction?**
* **What specific actions can I take to advocate for justice and promote righteousness in my sphere of influence, ensuring that good fruit is produced?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of true prosperity and success, moving beyond material wealth to moral and spiritual integrity?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the rhetorical questions in Amos 6:12?**

Answer: The rhetorical questions – "Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen?" – are highly significant because they establish a baseline of natural impossibility and absurdity. They are designed not to elicit an answer, but to underscore the prophet's point: just as these physical scenarios are illogical, futile, and contrary to nature, so too are the actions of Israel's leaders in perverting justice and righteousness. They highlight the unnatural, perverse, and utterly unproductive nature of a society that has abandoned God's moral order. The questions serve as a powerful analogy, making the abstract concept of moral decay tangible and shocking to the audience.

**How does "gall" and "hemlock" relate to "judgment" and "righteousness" in this verse?**

Answer: In Amos 6:12, "gall" (Hebrew _rôʼsh_) and "hemlock" (Hebrew _laʻănâh_) are used as metaphors for the bitter, poisonous, and destructive outcomes of Israel's perversion of justice and righteousness. "Judgment" (_mishpâṭ_) refers to the administration of justice and equitable law, while "righteousness" (_tsᵉdâqâh_) refers to moral uprightness and conformity to God's standards, which should naturally produce good "fruit" (_pᵉrîy_). By stating that judgment has been "turned into gall" and the fruit of righteousness into "hemlock," Amos vividly portrays a complete reversal. What should be life-giving, fair, and beneficial has become toxic, harmful, and deadly. This imagery emphasizes the profound moral corruption and the severe consequences that will follow, as seen throughout the book of Amos, particularly in passages like [Amos 5:7](/amos/5-7 "Amos 5:7 - You who turn justice into wormwood").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:12, with its stark condemnation of perverted justice and corrupted righteousness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. While Israel turned judgment into gall and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock, Jesus perfectly embodied and upheld divine justice and righteousness. He is the one who did not "run upon the rock" of human folly or "plow with oxen" on barren ground, but walked in perfect obedience to the Father's will. He condemned the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His day who, like those in Amos's time, outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly were full of greed and self-indulgence (see [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). More profoundly, Christ became the ultimate "fruit of righteousness" for humanity. On the cross, He, who knew no sin, became sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (as proclaimed in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). He did not turn judgment into gall, but bore the full judgment for our sin, transforming the bitter cup of wrath into the sweet wine of salvation. Through His sacrifice, true justice was satisfied, and the "fruit of righteousness" is now available to all who believe, leading not to hemlock but to eternal life and genuine holiness (cf. [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Thus, Christ is the answer to Israel's failure, the perfect embodiment of God's just and righteous character, and the one through whom true, life-giving righteousness flourishes.

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

Amos 5:7

Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

Hosea 10:4

They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Amos 5:12

For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate [from their right].

Isaiah 59:13

In transgressing and lying against the LORD, and departing away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

Isaiah 59:14

And judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

Psalms 94:20

Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?