Amos 6:14

KJV

But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness.

KJV (with Strong's)

But, behold, I will raise up {H6965} against you a nation {H1471}, O house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} the God {H430} of hosts {H6635}; and they shall afflict {H3905} you from the entering in {H935} of Hemath {H2574} unto the river {H5158} of the wilderness {H6160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"But I will raise up a nation against you, house of Isra'el," says Adonai ELOHEI-Tzva'ot, "and they will oppress you from the entrance of Hamat to the Vadi of the 'Aravah."

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, I will raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel,” declares the LORD, the God of Hosts, “and they will oppress you from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of the Arabah.”

American Standard Version

For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah, the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of the Arabah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 6:14 serves as a climactic declaration of divine judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel, detailing the Lord's direct intervention to raise up a foreign nation as an instrument of punishment. This nation would inflict widespread and severe oppression upon Israel, extending across the entire breadth of their land, from its northernmost boundary at Hamath to its southern border, signifying a comprehensive and inescapable national calamity for their persistent unfaithfulness and social injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 6:14 concludes a series of "woes" pronounced by the prophet Amos, beginning in [Amos 5:18](/amos/5-18 "Amos 5:18 - Woe to those who desire the day of the Lord") and intensifying in [Amos 6:1](/amos/6-1 "Amos 6:1 - Woe to those at ease in Zion"). The preceding verses condemn Israel's complacent elite, who indulged in luxury, disregarded the poor, and felt secure despite their moral and spiritual decay. This verse acts as the definitive pronouncement of the judgment that will shatter their false sense of peace, revealing the specific agent and the geographical scope of the impending destruction. It stands as a stark contrast to the earlier warnings, moving from rhetorical woe to a concrete, unavoidable divine decree.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Amos was delivered during the reign of Jeroboam II (c. 786-746 BC) in the northern kingdom of Israel, a period characterized by remarkable economic prosperity and political stability. However, this outward success masked profound internal corruption, including rampant idolatry, severe social injustice, and a widespread disregard for God's covenant laws. The nation had forgotten the warnings of the Law, such as those found in [Deuteronomy 28:47-48](/deuteronomy/28-47-48 "Deuteronomy 28:47-48 - Consequences of Disobedience"), which foretold foreign invasion as a consequence of disobedience. The "nation" God would raise up is widely understood to be Assyria, a rising imperial power known for its brutal military campaigns, which would indeed conquer Israel in 722 BC. The geographical markers "Hemath" (Hamath) in Syria and "the river of the wilderness" (likely the Brook of Egypt or a similar wadi marking the southern border) delineate the traditional boundaries of the Promised Land, emphasizing the total and devastating sweep of the coming judgment across Israel's entire territory.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 6:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Amos and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating God's absolute authority to orchestrate historical events and use nations as instruments of His righteous judgment against His own covenant people when they persist in sin. Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Covenant Infidelity**, illustrating that Israel's privileged status did not exempt them from the terms of their covenant with God; their persistent rebellion against divine law and justice, particularly their oppression of the poor and vulnerable, would inevitably lead to severe national punishment, as foretold in passages like [Leviticus 26:14-39](/leviticus/26-14-39 "Leviticus 26:14-39 - Curses for Disobedience"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Comprehensive Nature of God's Judgment**, signaling that the coming affliction would not be localized but would encompass the entire "house of Israel," from its northern to its southern extremities, leaving no part untouched by the divine decree.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** This term (H1471) typically refers to a foreign nation or Gentile people. In this context, it signifies a non-Israelite entity, emphasizing that God will use an external, pagan power as His instrument of judgment. The choice of this word underscores the severity of Israel's apostasy, as they would be punished by those outside the covenant, fulfilling the warnings of the Law.
* **afflict (Hebrew, _lâchats'_)::** This verb (H3905) means "to press," "to distress," or "to oppress." It conveys a sense of severe, burdensome, and relentless hardship. The chosen nation would not merely conquer but would actively and cruelly oppress Israel, reflecting the very oppression Israel had inflicted upon its own poor and vulnerable.
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This noun (H6635), often translated as "armies" or "multitudes," is part of the divine title "LORD the God of hosts." It signifies God's absolute dominion over all heavenly and earthly armies, stars, and the entire cosmos. Its inclusion here emphasizes that the coming judgment is not a random geopolitical event but a divinely orchestrated act by the Sovereign Commander of all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation,"**: This opening clause signals an abrupt shift from Israel's complacent luxury to God's decisive action. The "behold" (KJV) or "indeed" (NIV) emphasizes the certainty and immediacy of the divine decree. God Himself, in His sovereign power, declares His intention to actively "raise up" (H6965, _qûwm_, to cause to stand or arise) a foreign power specifically against Israel, making it clear that this is not a natural consequence but a direct act of divine will.
* **"O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts;"**: This identifies the direct recipient of the judgment: the "house of Israel," referring to the northern kingdom. The declaration is sealed by the authoritative pronouncement, "saith the LORD the God of hosts." This divine title, _Yahweh Sabaoth_, underscores God's supreme authority and power over all creation, including nations and armies. It asserts that the judgment is not merely a political event but a divinely orchestrated act by the omnipotent God of the universe.
* **"and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness."**: This clause specifies the nature and geographical scope of the coming judgment. The "affliction" (H3905, _lâchats_) will be severe and oppressive. The geographical markers "from the entering in of Hemath" (H2574, Hamath, a key city in northern Syria, often marking the northern extent of Israel's ideal territory) and "unto the river of the wilderness" (H5158, _nachal_, river/wadi; H6160, _ʻărâbâh_, wilderness/desert, likely referring to the Brook of Egypt or a similar southern boundary) indicate a comprehensive and total devastation. The entire traditional land of Israel would be overrun and oppressed, leaving no region untouched.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 6:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Prophetic Oracle** is the overarching form, characterized by the authoritative "saith the LORD the God of hosts," which stamps the declaration with divine authority and inevitability. The phrase "But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation" uses **Divine Agency** to emphasize God's direct and active role in orchestrating historical events, rather than attributing the coming invasion to mere geopolitical forces. The use of specific **Geographical Markers**—"from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness"—serves as a form of **Merism**, where two extremes are named to represent the totality of something. In this case, it vividly portrays the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the coming affliction, indicating that the entire breadth of Israel's territory would be subjected to the foreign oppressor. This also functions as **Hyperbole** to underscore the severity and widespread nature of the devastation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 6:14 is a profound theological statement on God's justice, sovereignty, and the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness. It reveals a God who is not merely a passive observer but an active participant in history, raising up and bringing down nations according to His righteous will. The judgment against Israel, though severe, is not arbitrary but a direct consequence of their persistent rebellion, social injustice, and spiritual complacency. This verse underscores the biblical principle that privilege (being God's chosen people) brings greater responsibility, and failure to uphold the covenant leads to severe discipline. It serves as a stark reminder that true security lies not in material prosperity or military strength, but in faithful obedience to the Lord.

* [Isaiah 10:5-6](/isaiah/10-5-6 "Isaiah 10:5-6 - Assyria as God's Instrument")
* [Habakkuk 1:6](/habakkuk/1-6 "Habakkuk 1:6 - God Raises Up the Chaldeans")
* [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - Fall of Samaria and Exile")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 6:14 delivers a timeless and sobering message that resonates deeply with individuals and nations today. It challenges the dangerous illusion that prosperity or a history of divine favor can insulate one from the consequences of moral and spiritual decay. For us, this means recognizing that God's justice is unwavering; He holds all accountable, and complacency in the face of sin is a perilous path. We are called to examine our own lives and communities for signs of spiritual apathy, social injustice, or a false sense of security rooted in worldly achievements rather than in faithful obedience to God. This verse compels us to heed God's warnings, whether delivered through His Word, His Spirit, or the circumstances of life, and to respond with genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to righteousness. It reminds us that true blessing and security are found only in aligning our lives with God's will and actively pursuing justice, mercy, and humility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might I be complacent in my spiritual life or in my commitment to biblical justice?**
* **What are the "nations" or "afflictions" in my life or society that God might be using to call for repentance or to reveal areas of unfaithfulness?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations and history impact my trust in His ultimate plan, even amidst difficult circumstances?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more justly and to avoid the spiritual complacency that Amos condemns?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "nation" God raises up against Israel in Amos 6:14?**

Answer: While not explicitly named in this verse, the "nation" God would raise up against Israel is widely understood by biblical scholars to be the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Historical and prophetic evidence strongly points to Assyria as the primary instrument of God's judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel, which ultimately led to their conquest and exile in 722 BC, as recorded in [2 Kings 17:6](/2_kings/17-6 "2 Kings 17:6 - The Assyrian Conquest of Israel"). Other prophets, like Isaiah, also explicitly identify Assyria as God's "rod of anger" ([Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, the Rod of God's Anger")).

**What do "Hemath" and "the river of the wilderness" signify in this verse?**

Answer: "Hemath" (or Hamath) was a significant city in Syria, located in the Orontes Valley, which historically marked the northernmost boundary of the ideal territory promised to Israel (e.g., [Numbers 34:8](/numbers/34-8 "Numbers 34:8 - Northern Boundary of Israel")). "The river of the wilderness" likely refers to the Brook of Egypt (Wadi el-Arish) or a similar wadi that formed the traditional southern boundary of Israel's territory (e.g., [1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Kingdom Extent")). Together, these two geographical markers form a **merism**, signifying the entire breadth of Israel's land, from its northernmost point to its southernmost. This emphasizes that the coming affliction would be comprehensive and devastating, encompassing the entire nation and leaving no region untouched by the divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 6:14, with its stark declaration of divine judgment against a complacent Israel, foreshadows the ultimate judgment of God against all sin, yet simultaneously points to the merciful provision found in Christ. While Israel faced a foreign nation as an instrument of affliction due to their covenant breaking, humanity's ultimate "affliction" is the consequence of sin, which separates us from a holy God ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, God, in His infinite love, "raised up" not a nation to condemn, but His own Son, Jesus Christ, to bear the judgment we deserved. Jesus, the true "house of Israel" in His person ([Matthew 2:15](/matthew/2-15 "Matthew 2:15 - Out of Egypt I Called My Son")), perfectly fulfilled the covenant requirements that Israel failed to keep. He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), enduring the ultimate affliction on the cross, from the "entering in" of Gethsemane's agony to the "river of the wilderness" of death and the grave. Through His sacrifice, He offers a new covenant, not of judgment for unfaithfulness, but of grace and forgiveness for all who believe, ushering in a spiritual kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries and offers true security and peace ([Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - A Superior Covenant")).

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 14:25

He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which [was] of Gathhepher.

1 Kings 8:65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.

Jeremiah 5:15

Lo, I will bring a nation upon you from far, O house of Israel, saith the LORD: it [is] a mighty nation, it [is] an ancient nation, a nation whose language thou knowest not, neither understandest what they say.

Jeremiah 5:17

And they shall eat up thine harvest, and thy bread, [which] thy sons and thy daughters should eat: they shall eat up thy flocks and thine herds: they shall eat up thy vines and thy fig trees: they shall impoverish thy fenced cities, wherein thou trustedst, with the sword.

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.

Isaiah 7:20

In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, [namely], by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria, the head, and the hair of the feet: and it shall also consume the beard.

Ezekiel 47:15

And this [shall be] the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;