Definition: Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver [them] up to Edom:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 1:6. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Old Testament. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s judgment and his purpose for a specific group of people – the Israelites in Gaza. It’s saying that they’ve made a terrible mistake, and God isn't going to let it go unpunished. Let’s unpack each part: “Thus saith the LORD” : This is just a way of saying God is speaking directly to us. “For three transgressions of Gaza…” : This refers to a series of bad actions that happened in the region of Gaza (a place in Israel). Think of it like a chain of mistakes. “…and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof” : This is where it gets really powerful. God isn't going to let these transgressions go unpunished. He’s not forgiving them. He’s making sure the consequences happen. “because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver [them] up to Edom:” : This is the key part! “carried away captive” : The Israelites were being held captive – essentially, they weren't free or allowed to do what they needed to do as a nation. It was like they were under an oppressive rule. “the whole captivity” : They were in a state of oppression and being controlled by another power (likely the Egyptians). “to deliver them up to Edom:” : God is going to punish these Israelites with a very severe consequence – sending them to Edom. Edom was a powerful kingdom in the region, and this verse suggests a forceful and significant punishment for their actions. So, what’s the big takeaway? This verse paints a picture of God's wrath and his unwavering commitment to justice. He’s not just angry; he’s actively preventing these Israelites from continuing down a path of wrongdoing. It suggests that God will hold them accountable for their actions, even if it means sending them into exile or suffering severe consequences. Important Note: The exact context and meaning of this verse are debated among scholars, but it's generally seen as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of obeying God’s laws. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some examples of the transgressions mentioned (without going into too much detail)? Discuss the significance of the story of Edom as a symbol?