Book of Amos - Chapter 1 - Verse 3

The verse "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:" from the book of Amos in the Old Testament serves as a warning from the Lord to the city of Damascus. In this passage, the prophet Amos is conveying a message from God, stating that Damascus has committed multiple transgressions against Him, specifically by using brutal methods to oppress the people of Gilead. The use of threshing instruments of iron to thresh Gilead symbolizes the harsh and merciless treatment inflicted upon the inhabitants of the region. The repetition of the phrase "For three transgressions... and for four" is a Hebrew idiom that signifies a pattern of repeated and escalating wrongdoing that has reached its limit. The Lord declares that punishment will not be averted due to the severity of their actions. This verse serves as a reminder of God's justice and His intolerance towards oppression and cruelty.

The theological interpretation of the verse from the Book of Amos focuses on God's judgment on the kingdom of Damascus for their brutal treatment of the people of Gilead. The phrase "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four" is a symbolic way of saying that their sins have reached a tipping point, and God's punishment is imminent. The use of threshing instruments of iron to oppress the people of Gilead is viewed as a particularly cruel and harsh method of punishment. In this context, the verse highlights God's concern for justice and His willingness to intervene on behalf of the oppressed. The word "threshed" conveys the idea of brutal treatment and violence, underscoring the severity of Damascus' transgressions. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His commitment to uphold righteousness in the world.