Amos 2:14

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself:

Original Language Analysis

וְאָבַ֤ד shall perish H6
וְאָבַ֤ד shall perish
Strong's: H6
Word #: 1 of 11
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
מָנוֹס֙ Therefore the flight H4498
מָנוֹס֙ Therefore the flight
Strong's: H4498
Word #: 2 of 11
a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing
מִקָּ֔ל from the swift H7031
מִקָּ֔ל from the swift
Strong's: H7031
Word #: 3 of 11
light; (by implication) rapid (also adverbial)
וְחָזָ֖ק and the strong H2389
וְחָזָ֖ק and the strong
Strong's: H2389
Word #: 4 of 11
strong (usu. in a bad sense, hard, bold, violent)
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְאַמֵּ֣ץ shall not strengthen H553
יְאַמֵּ֣ץ shall not strengthen
Strong's: H553
Word #: 6 of 11
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
כֹּח֑וֹ his force H3581
כֹּח֑וֹ his force
Strong's: H3581
Word #: 7 of 11
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וְגִבּ֖וֹר neither shall the mighty H1368
וְגִבּ֖וֹר neither shall the mighty
Strong's: H1368
Word #: 8 of 11
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 9 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְמַלֵּ֥ט deliver H4422
יְמַלֵּ֥ט deliver
Strong's: H4422
Word #: 10 of 11
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃ himself H5315
נַפְשֽׁוֹ׃ himself
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 11 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis & Commentary

After pronouncing judgment, Amos describes its inescapability: "Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself." Speed, strength, and power—normally escape routes—will fail. Verse 15: "Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself." Archers, runners, cavalry—all military advantages become useless. Verse 16: "And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD." Even the bravest will flee in terror, abandoning armor. This teaches that no human resource can escape divine judgment. Psalm 33:16-17 says: "There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is vain thing for safety." Only God's mercy saves, accessed through genuine repentance and faith in Christ.

Historical Context

Within 30 years of Amos's prophecy, Assyria conquered Israel (722 BC). Samaria fell after three-year siege; 27,290 Israelites were deported according to Assyrian records. Israel's military couldn't prevent this—God's word came true exactly. The Reformed doctrine of irresistible grace teaches that God's saving purposes cannot be thwarted; similarly, His judicial purposes cannot be escaped apart from grace.

Questions for Reflection