3 Thus says the Lord , "For three transgressions of Damascus and for four I will not [1]revoke its punishment, Because they threshed Gilead with implements of sharp iron . 4 "So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael And it will consume the citadels of Ben-hadad . 5 "I will also break the gate bar of Damascus , And cut off the inhabitant from the [2]valley of Aven , And him who holds the scepter , from Beth-eden ; So the people of Aram will go exiled to Kir ," Says the Lord . 6 Thus says the Lord , "For three transgressions of Gaza and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because they deported an entire population To deliver it up to Edom . 7 "So I will send fire upon the wall of Gaza And it will consume her citadels . 8 "I will also cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod , And him who holds the scepter , from Ashkelon ; I will even [3]unleash My [4]power upon Ekron , And the remnant of the Philistines will perish ," Says the Lord [5]GOD . 9 Thus says the Lord , "For three transgressions of Tyre and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because they delivered up an entire population to Edom And did not remember the covenant of [6] brotherhood . 10 "So I will send fire upon the wall of Tyre And it will consume her citadels ." 11 Thus says the Lord , "For three transgressions of Edom and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because he pursued his brother with the sword , While he [7]stifled his compassion ; His anger also tore continually , And he maintained his fury forever . 12 "So I will send fire upon Teman And it will consume the citadels of Bozrah ." 13 Thus says the Lord , "For three transgressions of the sons of Ammon and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead In order to enlarge their borders .
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Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 1:3-13
Chapter Contents
Judgments against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites, and Ammonites.
GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services, ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment. Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!