Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Amos - Chapter 4 - Verse 9

4:9
I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Amos in the Old Testament serves as a warning from the Lord to the people of Israel. The Lord speaks of how he has brought about destruction and devastation upon their crops as a punishment for their disobedience. The blasting and mildew, as well as the palmerworm devouring their gardens, vineyards, fig trees, and olive trees, symbolize the various ways in which the Lord has brought about hardships upon the Israelites. Despite these signs, the people have not returned to the Lord, meaning they have not repented or turned back to Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and the importance of repentance and returning to God. Ultimately, it conveys a message of the Lord's justice and the need for His people to seek forgiveness and redemption.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the prophet Amos is conveying a message from the Lord to the Israelites. Through the use of various natural disasters, such as blasting, mildew, and the palmerworm devouring their crops, God is expressing His discontent with His people. These afflictions were meant to serve as a wake-up call for the Israelites to return to Him and repent of their sinful ways. The mention of gardens, vineyards, fig trees, and olive trees being destroyed highlights the devastation that occurred despite the abundance they had enjoyed. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the consequences of disobedience and the importance of remaining faithful to God. The word studies for "blasting," "mildew," and "palmerworm" provide additional insights into the specific forms of punishment that the Israelites faced due to their unfaithfulness. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and obedience in order to avoid the repercussions of straying from God's path.

American Standard Version

I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: the multitude of your gardens and your vineyards and your fig-trees and your olive-trees hath the palmer-worm devoured: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith Jehovah.
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