Amos 8:13

In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.

In that day {H3117} shall the fair {H3303} virgins {H1330} and young men {H970} faint {H5968} for thirst {H6772}.

When that time comes, young women and men will faint from thirst.

In that day the lovely young women— the young men as well— will faint from thirst.

In that day shall the fair virgins and the young men faint for thirst.

Commentary

Context

The prophet Amos delivers a stark message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel, highlighting their spiritual decay, injustice, and idolatry. Amos 8, in particular, focuses on the "end" for Israel, symbolized by a basket of summer fruit, signifying that their time was ripe for judgment. Verses 11 and 12 precede verse 13, detailing a coming famine far more severe than any physical hunger or thirst: a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. Verse 13 describes the devastating effect of this spiritual drought on the nation.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Desperation: The core message is the extreme spiritual thirst that will consume the people. Unlike physical hunger or thirst, which can be remedied, this famine of God's word leaves no hope for satisfaction, leading to utter exhaustion and despair.
  • Universal Impact of Judgment: "Fair virgins and young men" represent the strongest, most vibrant, and seemingly resilient segments of society. Their fainting underscores that no one, regardless of age, strength, or beauty, will be immune to the consequences of neglecting God's truth. The judgment is comprehensive and inescapable.
  • Consequences of Neglect: The people had willfully ignored God's prophets and His law, prioritizing their own desires and false worship. This verse illustrates the natural and dire outcome of such spiritual apathy and rebellion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "faint for thirst" conveys a profound sense of exhaustion and desperation. The Hebrew word for "faint" ('alaph) often describes a state of utter collapse due to weakness or sorrow, while "thirst" (tsama) here is clearly metaphorical, pointing to a deep longing for divine truth and guidance that is tragically unfulfilled. The description of "fair virgins and young men" (betuloth and bachurim) emphasizes those typically full of life and vigor, making their collapse for spiritual thirst all the more poignant and indicative of the severity of the crisis.

Practical Application

Amos 8:13 serves as a timeless warning about the spiritual dangers of neglecting God's word. In an age of abundant information, it's still possible to experience a famine of truth if we do not actively seek and consume spiritual nourishment.

  • Prioritize God's Word: Just as our bodies need sustenance, our souls need the living word of God. This verse reminds us that true life and strength come from engaging with divine truth, as Jesus Himself stated, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
  • Beware of Spiritual Apathy: The Israelites' famine was a consequence of their indifference and active rejection of God's commands. We must be vigilant against spiritual complacency, ensuring that our hearts remain receptive to God's voice.
  • The Inescapability of Truth: Eventually, everyone will face a moment of reckoning where only God's truth can satisfy. This verse highlights that even those who seem self-sufficient will ultimately yearn for the spiritual fulfillment that only God can provide.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hosea 2:3

    Lest I strip her naked, and set her as in the day that she was born, and make her as a wilderness, and set her like a dry land, and slay her with thirst.

  • Lamentations 1:18

    The LORD is righteous; for I have rebelled against his commandment: hear, I pray you, all people, and behold my sorrow: my virgins and my young men are gone into captivity.

  • Lamentations 2:21

    The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets: my virgins and my young men are fallen by the sword; thou hast slain [them] in the day of thine anger; thou hast killed, [and] not pitied.

  • Zechariah 9:17

    For how great [is] his goodness, and how great [is] his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.

  • Isaiah 41:17

    [When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

  • Isaiah 41:20

    That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the LORD hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.

  • Lamentations 2:10

    ¶ The elders of the daughter of Zion sit upon the ground, [and] keep silence: they have cast up dust upon their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.
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