Definition: And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 1:2. It's a pretty powerful and serious message about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is predicting a terrible time for Israel – specifically, for its shepherds (who are responsible for tending to the land) and for its people. It suggests a significant crisis that will arrive with a loud, angry roar from God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he said…” : This establishes that this isn’t just a random thought; it's a warning from God himself. “…The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem…” : This is the key part. “Zion” refers to the area around Jerusalem – the heart of Israel’s religious center. "Jerusalem" is the city itself. So, God is going to speak out with a mighty roar. “…and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn…” : “Habitations” means shepherdries or places where shepherds live and work. The word "mourn" means to grieve or suffer greatly. So, this suggests that these shepherds will be deeply saddened and burdened by their situation. "...and the top of Carmel shall wither.” : “Carmel” is a beautiful and important place in Israel – a valley with a special wildflower called the Carmel flower. "Wither" means to die or become weak. The verse suggests that this wildflower, which symbolizes beauty and prosperity, will fade away. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Amos, a prophet in the Old Testament, is telling us that God is going to unleash a terrible judgment upon Israel. This isn't just about a bad day; it’s a looming disaster that will cause immense suffering and loss for the people of Israel. It implies: God’s Wrath: The roar and wither are a sign of God’s anger and displeasure with Israel’s actions – possibly things like idolatry, injustice, or disobedience to his laws. A Time of Suffering: The verse indicates that this is not a temporary problem; it's a long-term crisis that will cause significant hardship for the Israelites. Important Note: This verse isn’t necessarily about a single event but rather a prophecy of a period of intense suffering and decline for Israel. It highlights God’s sovereignty and his commitment to justice, even when it seems like things are going badly. Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway - Amos 1:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/article/Amos+1:2) [Wikipedia - Amos 1:2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_1:2) --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the Old Testament?