Amos 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְעַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בְּגָדִ֤ים

H899

upon clothes

a covering, i.e., clothing

חֲבֻלִים֙

H2254

laid to pledge

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

יַטּ֔וּ

H5186

And they lay themselves down

to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)

אֵ֖צֶל

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִזְבֵּ֑חַ

H4196

every altar

an altar

וְיֵ֤ין

H3196

the wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

עֲנוּשִׁים֙

H6064

of the condemned

properly, to urge; by implication, to inflict a penalty, specifically, to fine

#10

יִשְׁתּ֔וּ

H8354

and they drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#11

בֵּ֖ית

H1004

in the house

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

#12

אֱלֹהֵיהֶֽם׃

H430

of their god

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights covenant through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Amos.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Amos Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the covenant theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding covenant as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?