Amos 9:5

Authorized King James Version

And the Lord GOD of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאדֹנָ֨י

H136

And the Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֜ה

H3069

GOD

god

הַצְּבָא֗וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הַנּוֹגֵ֤עַ

H5060

is he that toucheth

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

בָּאָ֙רֶץ֙

H776

the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וַתָּמ֔וֹג

H4127

and it shall melt

to melt, i.e., literally (to soften, flow down, disappear), or figuratively (to fear, faint)

וְאָבְל֖וּ

H56

therein shall mourn

to bewail

כָּל

H3605

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

י֣וֹשְׁבֵי

H3427

and all that dwell

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

#10

בָ֑הּ

#11

וְעָלְתָ֤ה

H5927

and it shall rise up

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#12

כִּיאֹ֥ר

H2975

as by the flood

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#13

כֻּלָּ֔הּ

H3605

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

#14

וְשָׁקְעָ֖ה

H8257

and shall be drowned

to subside; by implication, to be overflowed, cease; causatively, to abate, subdue

#15

כִּיאֹ֥ר

H2975

as by the flood

a channel, e.g., a fosse, canal, shaft; specifically the nile, as the one river of egypt, including its collateral trenches; also the tigris, as the m

#16

מִצְרָֽיִם׃

H4714

of Egypt

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

Analysis

Within the broader context of Amos, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?