Definition: The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 6:8. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s deep displeasure with a person named Jacob (often translated as Israel). God has made a solemn promise to deliver a city – a place of importance and prosperity – from someone who represents something he finds deeply flawed. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The Lord GOD hath sworn…” : This is a very serious statement. It means God has already made a definite vow or promise about what will happen. It’s like a legal contract between God and humanity. “…saith the LORD the God of hosts” : This identifies the speaker – it's God speaking directly to us. The "hosts" part suggests he's speaking powerfully and firmly. “I abhor the excellency of Jacob…” : This is the core of the verse. “Excellence” means something wonderful, beautiful, or impressive. God clearly dislikes the qualities of Jacob – specifically, his fame, power, wealth, and glory. He finds it unsettling. “…and hate his palaces:” This tells us God is particularly angry at Jacob’s palaces (cities, kingdoms, etc.). These weren't just places; they were symbols of his power and status. He views them as something to be avoided. “Therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.” : This is the consequence of God’s displeasure. He has decided to take action – he will deliver (take possession of) the city, along with everything inside it – because of his strong disapproval of Jacob. What does it mean in a broader context? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and ambition. It’s suggesting that focusing on personal glory and power can lead to God's judgment. It speaks to the importance of humility, righteousness, and obedience to God's will. Important Note: This is a difficult passage for us to read because it’s written in Old Testament Hebrew, which has a very specific and complex vocabulary. It's often translated with layers of meaning that can be challenging to fully grasp. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Amos%3A6%3A1](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/bible/Amos%3A6%3A1) (This provides a good overview and translation.) Wikipedia - Amos 6:8: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_6%3A8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_6%3A8) Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect of the verse? For example: Are you interested in its historical context? Would you like a simpler analogy to help understand it?