Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:
After pronouncing judgment on Damascus, Amos turns to Gaza: "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom." The formula "for three... and for four" indicates overflowing, complete sin. Gaza, a Philistine city, engaged in human trafficking—capturing entire populations and selling them to Edom (another enemy of Israel). This crime against humanity provoked divine judgment. The phrase "I will not turn away the punishment" (lo' ashivenu) means God's decree is irrevocable. This teaches several truths:
God holds all nations accountable for crimes against humanity
human trafficking particularly provokes His wrath
participating in others' oppression makes one guilty
God's patience has limits—sin reaches fullness and judgment falls.
Historical Context
The Philistines, ancient Israel's coastal neighbors, frequently raided Israelite territory, capturing people for slave trade. Selling captives to Edom compounded the crime—Edom should have shown kinship loyalty (they descended from Esau, Jacob's brother) but instead participated in enslaving their relatives. This betrayal earned particular condemnation. Amos's judgment oracles follow a pattern: six surrounding nations first, then Israel and Judah—demonstrating God's impartial justice before focusing on His own people's greater accountability.
Questions for Reflection
How does God's fierce opposition to human trafficking inform Christian anti-trafficking efforts?
What does it mean to participate in others' oppression, and how might we unknowingly do so?
How does God's impartial judgment of all nations challenge nationalistic presumption?
Analysis & Commentary
After pronouncing judgment on Damascus, Amos turns to Gaza: "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom." The formula "for three... and for four" indicates overflowing, complete sin. Gaza, a Philistine city, engaged in human trafficking—capturing entire populations and selling them to Edom (another enemy of Israel). This crime against humanity provoked divine judgment. The phrase "I will not turn away the punishment" (lo' ashivenu) means God's decree is irrevocable. This teaches several truths: