Amos 8:8

KJV

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Shall not the land {H776} tremble {H7264} for this, and every one mourn {H56} that dwelleth {H3427} therein? and it shall rise up {H5927} wholly as a flood {H2975}; and it shall be cast out {H1644} and drowned {H8257}{H8248}, as by the flood {H216} of Egypt {H4714}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Won't the land tremble for this, and everyone mourn, who lives in the land? It will all rise, just like the Nile, be in turmoil and subside, like the Nile in Egypt.

Berean Standard Bible

Will not the land quake for this, and all its dwellers mourn? All of it will swell like the Nile; it will surge and then subside like the Nile in Egypt.

American Standard Version

Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? yea, it shall rise up wholly like the River; and it shall be troubled and sink again, like the River of Egypt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 8:8 serves as a stark prophetic warning to the northern kingdom of Israel, depicting the severe and inescapable divine judgment that will befall them due to their pervasive social injustice, exploitation of the poor, and religious hypocrisy. The verse employs vivid imagery of the land convulsing and its inhabitants mourning, likening the impending catastrophe to an overwhelming, destructive flood, specifically recalling the devastating annual inundation of the Nile in Egypt, to underscore the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's righteous wrath.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 8:8 is situated within a series of visions and pronouncements of judgment against Israel, specifically following the vision of the basket of summer fruit (Amos 8:1-3), which symbolizes the ripeness of Israel for judgment. Immediately preceding this verse, Amos condemns the merchants' eagerness to exploit the vulnerable, their fraudulent business practices, and their disdain for the Sabbath, longing for its end to resume their deceitful trade (Amos 8:4-6). The phrase "for this" (Hebrew: `על זאת`, 'al zot) in verse 8 directly connects the impending cosmic upheaval to these specific acts of economic oppression and moral decay. The judgment described is a direct consequence of their systemic injustice, a theme that runs throughout the entire book of Amos, culminating in the complete disruption of their societal and natural order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Amos ministered to the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of relative peace and economic prosperity under King Jeroboam II (c. 793–753 BC). This outward success, however, masked deep-seated social and religious corruption. The wealthy elite were exploiting the poor, engaging in dishonest trade, and perverting justice, while maintaining outward religious observances. The reference to the "flood of Egypt" (the Nile) would have resonated powerfully with an ancient Near Eastern audience. The Nile's annual inundation was essential for Egyptian agriculture, bringing fertility, but its unpredictable nature could also lead to devastating floods or droughts. This imagery, therefore, evokes both life-giving sustenance and overwhelming destruction, making it a potent metaphor for God's judgment, which, though bringing an end to the corrupt order, also signals a cleansing.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 8:8 encapsulates several key themes prevalent in the book of Amos and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment** as an inevitable response to unrepentant sin, particularly social injustice. God's patience has reached its limit, and His intervention will be profound and inescapable. Secondly, the verse highlights God's unwavering **Commitment to Justice** for the oppressed. The "trembling" land and "mourning" inhabitants are a direct consequence of Israel's failure to uphold covenantal righteousness and care for the marginalized, demonstrating that social inequity provokes divine wrath. This aligns with the broader prophetic call for justice, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.") or [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"). Finally, the imagery of the **Overwhelming Consequence** of sin, depicted as a flood, emphasizes the comprehensive and inescapable nature of God's judgment, which will dismantle the corrupt societal structure entirely, much like the destructive force of a natural disaster.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tremble (Hebrew, _râgaz'_):** From H7264, a primitive root meaning "to quiver (with any violent emotion, especially anger or fear); be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth." In Amos 8:8, this word vividly portrays the earth's reaction to divine judgment. It suggests a profound physical and existential shaking, indicating a disruption of the natural order that mirrors the moral and spiritual upheaval within Israel. It implies not just a physical earthquake but a deep societal and cosmic disquietude in response to God's wrath.
* **Flood (Hebrew, _yᵉʼôr'_):** From H2975, of Egyptian origin, meaning "a channel, e.g. a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the Nile, as the one river of Egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the Tigris, as the main river of Assyria; brook, flood, river, stream." This term specifically refers to the Nile River, whose annual overflow was both a source of life and, when excessive, a source of destruction for Egypt. Its use here as a metaphor for divine judgment powerfully conveys the overwhelming, pervasive, and inescapable nature of the impending catastrophe, which will completely inundate and transform the land.
* **Drowned (Hebrew, _shâqaʻ'_):** From H8257, a primitive root meaning "to subside; by implication, to be overflowed, cease; causatively, to abate, subdue; make deep, let down, drown, quench, sink." This word, paired with "cast out" (H1644, _gârash_), intensifies the imagery of complete submersion and destruction. It suggests that the land and its inhabitants will not merely be affected by the flood but will be utterly overwhelmed, sinking beneath its destructive force, signifying a total and irreversible collapse of their society and way of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Shall not the land tremble for this,"**: This rhetorical question serves as a powerful affirmation, declaring that the land itself will convulse and shake in response to Israel's profound sins. The "this" refers directly to the injustices and exploitation detailed in the preceding verses (Amos 8:4-6), emphasizing that the natural world will react to the moral corruption of its inhabitants. It suggests a cosmic sympathy with God's judgment.
* **"and every one mourn that dwelleth therein?"**: Following the trembling of the land, the inhabitants are depicted as mourning. This is not merely sorrow but a deep lamentation, indicative of widespread suffering, loss, and despair. It highlights the personal and collective impact of the impending judgment, affecting every individual who participated in or tolerated the societal wickedness.
* **"and it shall rise up wholly as a flood;"**: The imagery shifts to a powerful metaphor: the land, or perhaps the judgment itself, will rise up like an overwhelming flood. The term "wholly" (Hebrew: `כֻּלָּהּ`, kullāh) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this rising, indicating that the judgment will be total, leaving no aspect of life untouched. This rising flood signifies an unstoppable, all-encompassing force of destruction.
* **"and it shall be cast out and drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt."**: This final clause completes the flood metaphor, describing the ultimate outcome: the land and its inhabitants will be "cast out" (expelled, driven away) and "drowned" (submerged, sinking). The explicit comparison to the "flood of Egypt" (the Nile) reinforces the idea of an overwhelming, destructive inundation that brings about total ruin, mirroring the devastating power of an uncontrolled Nile flood. It signifies the complete obliteration of the existing order.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 8:8 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of cosmic upheaval and overwhelming destruction. The trembling land, mourning inhabitants, and rising, drowning flood create a sensory experience of impending doom. The central device is **Simile**, comparing the impending judgment to a "flood" and specifically to the "flood of Egypt." This comparison is a powerful **Metaphor** for divine judgment, drawing on the audience's familiarity with the Nile's destructive potential to convey the inescapable and comprehensive nature of God's wrath. The opening "Shall not..." is a **Rhetorical Question**, which functions not as a query but as a forceful affirmation, compelling the audience to acknowledge the inevitability and justice of the impending calamity. This rhetorical device engages the listener and underscores the certainty of the prophecy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 8:8 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to justice and His absolute sovereignty over creation and human affairs. The judgment described is not arbitrary but a direct, proportional response to Israel's persistent and systemic injustice, particularly their oppression of the poor and vulnerable. This passage underscores a foundational biblical truth: sin, especially social sin, has severe consequences that can manifest in societal collapse and natural upheaval. It reveals a God who sees, hears, and responds to the cries of the oppressed, intervening decisively when His covenant people stray from righteousness and pervert justice. The imagery of the land trembling and being overwhelmed emphasizes that God's judgment affects the entire created order, demonstrating His holistic concern for both moral and ecological integrity.

* [Psalm 9:12](/psalms/9-12 "Psalm 9:12 - For he that maketh inquisition for blood remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.")
* [Isaiah 24:4-6](/isaiah/24-4-6 "Isaiah 24:4-6 - The earth mourns and fades away; the world languishes and fades away; the haughty people of the earth languish. The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell in it are desolate; therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left.")
* [Jeremiah 4:27-28](/jeremiah/4-27-28 "Jeremiah 4:27-28 - For this shall the earth mourn, And the heavens above be black; Because I have spoken, I have purposed And will not relent, Nor will I turn back from it.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 8:8 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder that God's justice is not an abstract concept but a living reality with tangible consequences. For us today, it calls for a deep introspection into our own lives and societies. Are we, individually and collectively, prioritizing profit and personal gain over the well-being of the vulnerable? Do we turn a blind eye to systemic injustices, or worse, participate in them? This verse challenges us to consider how our actions, or inactions, contribute to the moral landscape around us. It compels us to cultivate a profound sense of empathy for the marginalized and to actively pursue righteousness in all spheres of life. The trembling land and the overwhelming flood serve as a powerful metaphor for the disruptive nature of unaddressed sin, urging us to recognize that spiritual and moral decay inevitably leads to societal instability and personal distress. Our response should be one of humble repentance, a renewed commitment to ethical living, and a passionate pursuit of justice and mercy, reflecting God's own character in our communities and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my own life or community be contributing to or overlooking injustices that could provoke divine displeasure?**
* **How does the imagery of the "trembling land" and "overwhelming flood" challenge my complacency regarding sin and its consequences?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for justice and care for the vulnerable in my sphere of influence, aligning my actions with God's heart for righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What specific sins is Amos 8:8 addressing?**

Answer: Amos 8:8, with its phrase "for this," directly refers to the specific sins detailed in the preceding verses, particularly [Amos 8:4-6](/amos/8-4-6 "Amos 8:4-6 - Israel's Oppression of the Poor and Dishonest Practices"). These include the oppression and exploitation of the poor, dishonest trading practices (such as using false weights and measures), and a general disdain for religious observances like the Sabbath in favor of economic gain. The core issue is a profound lack of social justice and a perversion of covenantal righteousness.

**How does the "flood of Egypt" metaphor apply to God's judgment?**

Answer: The "flood of Egypt" refers to the annual inundation of the Nile River, which, while essential for agriculture, could also be devastating when it overflowed unpredictably. This metaphor in Amos 8:8 is used to convey the overwhelming, pervasive, and inescapable nature of God's judgment. Just as a massive flood submerges and sweeps away everything in its path, God's judgment would completely engulf and dismantle the corrupt society of Israel, leaving no aspect of their life untouched. It signifies a total and comprehensive destruction of their established order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amos 8:8 powerfully declares God's righteous judgment against sin, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Christ. The "trembling" of the land and the "mourning" of its inhabitants foreshadow the cosmic implications of sin, which ultimately required a divine intervention of unparalleled magnitude. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, bore the full weight of this judgment, becoming the one who was "cast out" and "drowned" in the flood of God's wrath on the cross, so that humanity might be spared (cf. [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")). His death and resurrection represent the ultimate divine act of justice and mercy, where the sin that provokes cosmic trembling is atoned for, and new life is offered. Furthermore, Christ's teachings, particularly the Sermon on the Mount (e.g., [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.")), consistently champion justice, mercy, and care for the poor, embodying the very righteousness that Israel failed to uphold and that Amos passionately called for. The "flood" of judgment in Amos finds its counterpoint in the "living water" that Jesus offers ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")), a spiritual cleansing and renewal that transforms hearts and societies, ultimately leading to the establishment of God's kingdom where righteousness and justice reign supreme ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 9:5

And the Lord GOD of hosts [is] he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.

Hosea 4:3

Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

Psalms 18:7

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

Jeremiah 46:8

Egypt riseth up like a flood, and [his] waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, [and] will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 5:25

Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases [were] torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

Matthew 24:30

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.