Definition: Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin [is] for him? shall [one] take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It’s a really interesting and symbolic question! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s perfect justice and how He protects His creation. “Amos 3:5” : This refers to a prophet named Amos, who was giving a warning about the people of Israel. He was speaking through a message of judgment. “Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin [is] for him?” – This is the core of the question. It’s asking: “Could anything ever be taken from the earth without any effort or gain?” Let's unpack it: 1. Birds and Snare: Birds are known to fly, and they need food and water to survive. A snare is a device used to catch birds. 2. The Question: The verse implies that if a bird could successfully trap and capture something without any benefit or reward, it would be impossible for anyone (including God) to take anything from the earth without some kind of effort. The Meaning & Symbolism: This is a powerful metaphor. It’s not just about birds. It represents: God’s Perfect Justice: God has complete control over all things on Earth. He can't allow anyone to take something without a fair exchange or reward. God’s Protection: It speaks to how God protects His creation from harm and ensures that good things are distributed fairly. In short, the verse is saying that God has absolute authority over everything on Earth, and no one can truly "take" anything without a reason – a reward or benefit. Important Note: This verse isn't meant to be taken literally about birds. It’s a metaphorical illustration of God’s eternal justice and His careful stewardship of all creation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the symbolism or its historical context? Just let me know!