Amos 1:2

Authorized King James Version

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּאמַ֓ר׀

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מִצִּיּ֣וֹן

H6726

from Zion

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

יִשְׁאָ֔ג

H7580

will roar

to rumble or moan

וּמִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

from Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

יִתֵּ֣ן

H5414

and utter

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

קוֹל֑וֹ

H6963

his voice

a voice or sound

וְאָֽבְלוּ֙

H56

shall mourn

to bewail

נְא֣וֹת

H4999

and the habitations

a home; figuratively, a pasture

#10

הָרֹעִ֔ים

H7462

of the shepherds

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

#11

וְיָבֵ֖שׁ

H3001

shall wither

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

#12

רֹ֥אשׁ

H7218

and the top

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#13

הַכַּרְמֶֽל׃

H3760

of Carmel

karmel, the name of a hill and of a town in palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Amos. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?