Definition: I have overthrown [some] of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 4:11. It’s a really powerful and important message about judgment and repentance. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us that God has seen something terrible happening among the people of Sodom and Gomorrah – a massive, destructive event. And he’s not happy with it. It’s saying he (God) has intervened to punish them. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “I have overthrown [some] of you…” : This isn’t a gentle, friendly intervention. God is clearly confronting and actively taking action against these people. “…as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah…” : These are two cities in Israel – Sodom and Gomorrah – that were incredibly wicked and filled with sin. They were known for their immoral behavior and destruction of others. The word “overthrew” means to completely destroy something. “and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning…” : This is the really striking part. A "firebrand" was a type of wooden tool used in blacksmithing. It was deliberately set alight. This metaphor means that these people were completely consumed by their sin . They were so deeply involved in wickedness that they were practically burned – literally and figuratively. “yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.” : This is the core of the message. God is saying: "You haven’t come back to me." It's a clear rejection of their choices and their willingness to continue down a destructive path. What does it mean in a nutshell? This verse warns us about the consequences of sin and encourages us to repent (turn away from our wrongdoings) and seek God’s forgiveness. It’s a judgment, but also a call for restoration and change. Why is this important? It's about God's justice: God isn’t just angry; he’s righteous and will hold people accountable for their actions. It’s about repentance: It's urging us to stop what we’re doing wrong and turn back to God. It's a reminder of our responsibility: We are all susceptible to sin, and God holds us responsible for our choices. In short, this verse is a warning from God that when we choose to live in wickedness and reject him, he will punish us. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to another Bible passage?