_The words of Amos_ This inscription, and some similar ones prefixed to some of the books of the prophets, seem to have been formed by those who collected their writings together. _Which he saw_ Received by revelation; _concerning Israel_ Namely, the kingdom of the ten tribes, to which this prophecy... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord will roar from Zion_ This and the next clause occur, Joel 3:16, and a similar one, Jeremiah 25:30, where see the notes. The meaning is, that God would soon spread terror, like beasts of prey when they roar, chap. Amos 3:8: or, that he would soon display his power in executing judgment. _An... [ Continue Reading ]
_For three transgressions_, &c. The prophet first denounces judgments against foreign countries, and afterward comes to Judah and Israel. He begins with Syria, the head or capital city of which was Damascus. By the expression, _for three transgressions and for four_, used here, and repeatedly afterw... [ Continue Reading ]
_But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael_ God's judgments are often compared to fire. But perhaps the expression may here signify, that the fine palaces of Hazael, and his son and successor Ben- hadad, should be burned down, as they probably were in the taking of Damascus by Tiglath-pileser.... [ Continue Reading ]
_For three transgressions of Gaza_, &c. From Syria he passes to Palestine, upon the coast of which Gaza was situated. It is one of the places threatened by Joel 3:6. _Because they carried away the whole captivity_ Or, _a peaceable captivity_, as Mr. Locke renders גלות שׁלמה; that is, a captivity not... [ Continue Reading ]
_For three transgressions of Tyrus_, &c. This prediction is probably to be understood of the destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar, as foretold by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel: see the margin. _Because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom_ Without doubt the Edomites used the Jewish captive... [ Continue Reading ]
_For three transgressions of Edom_, &c. The Edomites, or Idumeans, are often threatened for their enmity against the Israelites, because they took all occasions to oppress and insult over them in their distress. _Because he did pursue his brother with the sword_ The Edomites retained the same hatred... [ Continue Reading ]
_For three transgressions of the children of Ammon_ The Ammonites descended from Lot: see Genesis 19:38. Their country lay to the east of Jordan, in the neighbourhood of Gilead. _Because they have ripped up the women with child_ Hazael, king of Syria, grievously afflicted the Israelites that lay eas... [ Continue Reading ]