Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

And though they go {H3212} into captivity {H7628} before {H6440} their enemies {H341}, thence will I command {H6680} the sword {H2719}, and it shall slay {H2026} them: and I will set {H7760} mine eyes {H5869} upon them for evil {H7451}, and not for good {H2896}.

If their enemies herd them into exile, I will order the sword to kill them there. I will fix my gaze on them for harm and not for good."

Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.”

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Commentary

Amos 9:4 delivers a stark warning from God to the rebellious Israelites, emphasizing the inescapable nature of His judgment. This verse is part of Amos's final vision of divine judgment, which systematically dismantles any false sense of security or means of escape the people might imagine.

Context

The book of Amos is a prophetic message delivered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of relative prosperity but profound spiritual decay and social injustice. Chapters 7-9 contain a series of five visions illustrating God's impending judgment. Amos 9:1-4 describes God's absolute determination to punish His disobedient people, depicting various places they might attempt to fleeβ€”from the deepest parts of the earth (Sheol) to the highest heavens, or even hiding on mountaintops or in the sea. Verse 4 specifically addresses the futility of seeking refuge in exile or captivity. Even if they were taken captive by their enemies, which was a common consequence for covenant breaking, God's judgment would still find them there. This underscores God's omnipotence and His unwavering commitment to justice.

Key Themes

  • Inescapable Judgment: The primary theme is that there is no hiding place from God's wrath once His patience has run out. Whether in their homeland or in foreign captivity, divine judgment would pursue them. This echoes the concept of God's omnipresence, where no one can flee from His Spirit or presence.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Punishment: God Himself declares, "I will command the sword," and "I will set mine eyes upon them." This highlights that even the actions of their enemies are ultimately under God's sovereign control, serving as instruments of His righteous judgment.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse serves as a severe reminder of the covenant curses outlined in the Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 28), where persistent rebellion leads to dire consequences, including scattering and ultimate destruction.
  • God's Eyes for Evil: The phrase "I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good" is a profound reversal of God's usual benevolent gaze. It signifies a determined, focused, and inescapable divine intent to bring calamity and destruction, rather than blessing or protection.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good" is particularly impactful. In Hebrew, the word for 'evil' is ra' (Χ¨Φ·Χ’), which implies calamity, distress, or moral badness. The word for 'good' is tov (Χ˜Χ•ΦΉΧ‘), meaning pleasant, prosperous, or morally good. The contrast is stark: God's focus will be entirely on bringing about their downfall and suffering, rather than their welfare or restoration. This emphasizes the severity and deliberate nature of the impending judgment, a complete reversal from God's usual disposition towards His people when they are faithful.

Practical Application

Amos 9:4 offers a sobering lesson for all generations. It powerfully reminds us that:

  • God's Justice is Real: While God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also just. There are indeed consequences for persistent rebellion against His commands and rejection of His covenant.
  • No Escape from Accountability: We cannot outrun or hide from God's ultimate judgment. Attempts to evade responsibility or consequences are futile. This stands in contrast to the promise of no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
  • Urgency of Repentance: The severity of this warning should drive us to sincere repentance and obedience. God desires to set His eyes upon us for good, as He promised in Jeremiah 29:11 for those who seek Him.

This verse, though stern, underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, urging a humble and obedient walk before Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 26:33

    And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

  • Jeremiah 44:11

    Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, and to cut off all Judah.

  • Jeremiah 21:10

    For I have set my face against this city for evil, and not for good, saith the LORD: it shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.

  • Leviticus 17:10

    ΒΆ And whatsoever man [there be] of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people.

  • Ezekiel 5:12

    A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.

  • Deuteronomy 28:63

    And it shall come to pass, [that] as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.

  • Deuteronomy 28:65

    And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:
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