Amos 7:9

Authorized King James Version

And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְנָשַׁ֙מּוּ֙
shall be desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#2
בָּמ֣וֹת
And the high places
an elevation
#3
יִשְׂחָ֔ק
of Isaac
jischak, the heir of abraham
#4
וּמִקְדְּשֵׁ֥י
and the sanctuaries
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum
#5
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
יֶחֱרָ֑בוּ
shall be laid waste
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#7
וְקַמְתִּ֛י
and I will rise
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#8
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
בֵּ֥ית
against the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#10
יָרָבְעָ֖ם
of Jeroboam
jarobam, the name of two israelite kings
#11
בֶּחָֽרֶב׃
with the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection