Definition: But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 1:14. It's a really powerful and dramatic statement about judgment coming to a place. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a catastrophic event – a massive destruction – that will occur in a place called Rabbah. The word "devour" means to completely destroy or eat away, and “palaces” refers to important buildings, cities, and structures. It's suggesting a complete annihilation of wealth, power, and everything within those places. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah…” : This isn’t just any fire; it’s a deliberately intense, focused blaze. Amos is saying he's going to start a huge, controlled burning – like a massive inferno. He's actively choosing this place for destruction. "...and it shall devour the palaces thereof…" : This is the core of the verse. "Palaces" are incredibly important buildings and structures – temples, royal courts, wealthy homes, etc. These places represent power, wealth, and status. The fire will completely destroy them. It’s not just a minor loss; it's a total wipeout. “With shouting in the day of battle…” : This suggests this event is happening during a time of conflict or war. It’s a dramatic, intense moment of action. “…with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:” This adds to the intensity and chaos. A "tempest" is a powerful windstorm. The “whirlwind” imagery emphasizes the speed and force of the destruction. It's as if the entire place is being swept up in a violent, destructive storm. Overall Meaning – A Warning: Amos’s words are a warning about the dangers of injustice, corruption, and unrest in a specific region. He’s saying that when people aren’t righteous and focused on evil, God will unleash His wrath upon them with a devastating outcome. It's a message about the importance of righteousness, faith, and seeking God's guidance. Important Note: The context of this verse is within the larger book of Amos, which is filled with calls for repentance and judgment against those who are not faithful to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes?