9 Proclaim on the citadels in Ashdod and on the citadels in the land of Egypt and say , "Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria and see the great tumults within her and the oppressions in her midst . 10 "But they do not know how to do what is right ," declares the Lord , "these who hoard up violence and devastation in their citadels ." 11 Therefore , thus says the Lord GOD , "An enemy , even one surrounding the land , Will pull down your strength from you And your citadels will be looted ." 12 Thus says the Lord , "Just as the shepherd snatches from the lion's mouth a couple of legs or a piece of an ear , So will the sons of Israel dwelling in Samaria be snatched away - With the corner of a bed and the cover of a couch ! 13 "Hear and testify against the house of Jacob ," Declares the Lord GOD , the God of hosts . 14 "For on the day that I punish Israel's transgressions , I will also punish the altars of Bethel ; The horns of the altar will be cut off And they will fall to the ground . 15 "I will also smite the winter house together with the summer house ; The houses of ivory will also perish And the great houses will come to an end ," Declares the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 3:9-15
Commentary on Amos 3:9-15
(Read Amos 3:9-15)
That power which is an instrument of unrighteousness, will justly be brought down and broken. What is got and kept wrongfully, will not be kept long. Some are at ease, but there will come a day of visitation, and in that day, all they are proud of, and put confidence in, shall fail them. God will inquire into the sins of which they have been guilty in their houses, the robbery they have stored up, and the luxury in which they lived. The pomp and pleasantness of men's houses, do not fortify against God's judgments, but make sufferings the more grievous and vexatious. Yet a remnant, according to the election of grace, will be secured by our great and good Shepherd, as from the jaws of destruction, in the worst times.