Definition: But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from the Book of Amos! It's quite dramatic and speaks to a serious warning. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about judgment and destruction. It’s telling us that God is going to punish something terrible – “Teman” – with a devastating, complete annihilation. Let's unpack the parts: “But I will send a fire…” : This isn't just a casual mention of fire. It suggests a powerful and destructive force. It’s not just a small spark; it’s something that will burn everything. “…upon Teman…” : “Teman” is a place – a city or region – described as being incredibly wicked and corrupt. It's the focus of this judgment. Think of it as a symbol for a whole culture or community struggling with evil. “Which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.” : This is the really shocking part! “Bozrah” is a place that’s described as being filled with unimaginable wealth and power, but also filled with utter wickedness. It’s like a giant, rotten castle – full of treasures but built on a foundation of corruption. The word "devour" means to completely destroy or consume. The phrase “palaces of Bozrah” suggests a huge, opulent, and deeply evil structure. What it Means in a Broader Sense: God’s Justice: This verse is a direct expression of God’s justice. He isn't just punishing Teman for its own sake; he's punishing it because it represents something fundamentally wrong – a culture that is consumed by evil and selfishness. The Consequences of Wickedness: It’s a warning about the potential consequences of choosing to live in sin and wickedness. It suggests that even seemingly powerful or wealthy things can be destroyed ultimately by God's judgment. In short, this verse is a dramatic declaration that God will actively destroy something terrible and corrupt, with ultimate consequence. Important Note: This is a passage from a very old text (the Old Testament), and it’s often interpreted as a call to repentance – urging the people of Israel to change their ways and avoid a catastrophic future. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give an example of what "Teman" might represent? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?