Amos 1:5

Authorized King James Version

I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְשָֽׁבַרְתִּי֙

H7665

I will break

to burst (literally or figuratively)

בְּרִ֣יחַ

H1280

also the bar

a bolt

דַּמֶּ֔שֶׂק

H1834

of Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

וְהִכְרַתִּ֤י

H3772

and cut off

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

יוֹשֵׁב֙

H3427

the inhabitant

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

מִבִּקְעַת

H1237

from the plain

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

אָ֔וֶן

H206

of Aven

aven, the contemptuous synonym of three places, one in coele-syria, one in egypt (on), and one in palestine (bethel)

וְתוֹמֵ֥ךְ

H8551

and him that holdeth

to sustain; by implication, to obtain, keep fast; figuratively, to help, follow close

שֵׁ֖בֶט

H7626

the sceptre

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#10

מִבֵּ֣ית

H1004

from the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#11

עֶ֑דֶן

H5730

pleasure

#12

וְגָל֧וּ

H1540

shall go into captivity

to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal

#13

עַם

H5971

and the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#14

אֲרָ֛ם

H758

of Syria

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

#15

קִ֖ירָה

H7024

unto Kir

kir, a place in assyrian

#16

אָמַ֥ר

H559

saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#17

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

the LORD

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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
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?