Definition: Shall horses run upon the rock? will [one] plow [there] with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking verse from the book of Amos. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is warning about a dangerous path – one that leads to destruction and bitterness. It suggests we are on a road that’s twisting our judgment into something harmful. Let's unpack each part: “Shall horses run upon the rock?” : This refers to a situation where people are acting impulsively, recklessly, or without careful thought. Horses are associated with wildness and uncontrolled energy – think of a group of people acting foolishly. “will [one] plow [there] with oxen?” : This is about being careless and destructive. Oxen are strong and used for heavy work like plowing fields. It means someone is doing something that could cause harm or damage. “for ye have turned judgment into gall…” : This is the crucial part. "Judgment" refers to God’s righteous anger and punishment – the things that are right and just. But, “gall” is a bitter, poisonous substance. It suggests that our judgment (our anger, resentment, or harshness) has become something unpleasant and destructive. “and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:” : This paints a very bleak picture. "Hemlock" is a poisonous plant. It symbolizes bitterness, despair, and ultimately, death. “Fruit of righteousness” means good, just, and moral actions – things that are beneficial to people and society. Turning it into this poison means our righteous actions have become destructive and harmful. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Amos is essentially saying that if we let our anger, resentment, or harshness control us, we'll create a situation where our good intentions turn into something terrible – a cycle of destruction and suffering. It’s about the importance of controlling our emotions and acting with wisdom and compassion. In short: The verse warns against letting negativity and bitterness take over, and that these negative feelings can poison our actions and lead to harm. Does this make sense? Would you like me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore a specific aspect of the verse’s meaning? For example, we could discuss: The historical context of Amos's message. The significance of "judgment" as a metaphor for God’s justice.