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Book of Amos - Chapter 7 - Verse 17

7:17
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

Meaning

This verse, found in the book of Hosea in the Old Testament, conveys a message of punishment and judgment from the Lord upon the people of Israel. In this prophecy, the Lord warns that because of their sins and disobedience, their situation will become dire. Their wives will become harlots, their children will perish by the sword, their land will be divided and they will die in a polluted land. The nation of Israel will also be taken into captivity away from their land. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and living in disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commandments in order to avoid the severe repercussions of sin. The verse ultimately serves as a call to repentance and a warning against straying from the path of righteousness.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Hosea is a stark warning from the Lord to the people of Israel. The message is one of impending judgment due to their continual disobedience and sin. The use of the term "harlot" to describe the wife symbolizes the unfaithfulness and idolatry of the people towards God. The mention of the sons and daughters falling by the sword emphasizes the severity of the punishment that will befall the nation. The division of the land by line signifies the complete devastation and desolation that will come upon the land. The reference to dying in a polluted land further denotes the consequences of living in sin and rebellion against God. Ultimately, the prophecy of Israel going into captivity serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from the Lord. This verse serves as a powerful example of the theological themes of judgment, consequences of sin, and the faithfulness of God throughout the Old Testament.

American Standard Version

therefore thus saith Jehovah: Thy wife shall be a harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou thyself shalt die in a land that is unclean, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of his land.
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