Definition: For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out [by] a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth [by] an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 5:3. It's a really important message about judgment and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that those who leave a city or community will be negatively affected by its downfall. It’s a warning about the consequences of wrongdoing. Let's unpack each part: “For thus saith the Lord GOD…” – This sets the tone, it’s a serious statement from God. “…The city that went out [by] a thousand shall leave an hundred…” - This means if a large group of people leaves a place (like a city), there will be a significant loss. A "thousand" is a very big number, and leaving a hundred suggests a substantial decrease in population. “…and that which went forth [by] an hundred shall leave ten…” – This continues the pattern. If a group of people leaves a certain number (a hundred), there will be only ten left. This means a smaller community is left behind. “To the house of Israel.” - This is where it gets really important. “The house of Israel” refers to God’s people, specifically those living in the land of Israel. It's saying that this negative consequence – this loss of population and community – will impact them. What does this mean practically? Historically, this verse has been interpreted as a message about repentance and judgment. It suggests that when people choose to disobey God’s laws and live in sin, they are bringing ruin upon themselves and their communities. It’s a call for people to turn back and seek God's forgiveness. In short: God is warning the people of Israel that those who stray from righteousness will face hardship and loss as a result of their choices. It’s a reminder of the importance of living righteously and seeking God’s guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse might be applied in real life?