5 I will break down the gate of Damascus; I will destroy the king who is in[1] the Valley of Aven[2]and the one who holds the scepter in Beth Eden. The people of Aram will go into exile to Kir," says the Lord.

Other Translations of Amos 1:5

King James Version

5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain the plain...: or, Bikathaven of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the Lord.

English Standard Version

5 I will break the gate-bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitants from the Valley of Aven,Or On and him who holds the scepter from Beth-eden; and the people of Syria shall go into exile to Kir," says the Lord.

The Message

5 I'm going to smash the Damascus gates and banish the crime king who lives in Sin Valley, the vice boss who gives orders from Paradise Palace. The people of the land will be sent back to where they came from - to Kir." God's Decree.

New King James Version

5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus, And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven, And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden. The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir," Says the Lord.

New Living Translation

5 I will break down the gates of Damascus and slaughter the people in the valley of Aven. I will destroy the ruler in Beth-eden, and the people of Aram will go as captives to Kir," says the Lord .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 1:5

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!