Definition: Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 7:17. It’s a really serious warning about the future of Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: This verse is telling us that Israel will face a terrible and devastating future. It predicts a very bleak outcome for the nation, with significant loss and destruction. Let's look at each part: “Therefore thus saith the LORD” : This is an authoritative voice – it’s speaking directly from God. This isn't just someone saying something; it’s God declaring a truth. “Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city” : This means that women will become deeply unfaithful and lose their way, potentially leading to a life of sin and moral decay. A “harlot” is someone who engages in immoral or reckless behavior. “thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword” : This speaks of widespread violence and bloodshed. It suggests that Israel's people will be attacked and killed, perhaps even violently. "Fall by the sword" means they will die in battle. “and thy land shall be divided by line” : This indicates that the land itself – the source of their prosperity and identity – will be ruined or destroyed. It’s a clear loss of fertile ground for agriculture and life. “and thou shalt die in a polluted land” : This is a very harsh consequence – Israel will be living in an area that is morally corrupt, unhealthy, and full of sin. “and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land” : Finally, this means that Israel will be exiled from their homeland, removed from their rightful place. They'll be banished and forced to leave their home. Overall Interpretation: Amos is warning the Israelites about a deeply troubling future for them. It’s suggesting that God is deliberately setting events in motion that will lead to immense suffering and ultimately, separation from God. This isn’t just a prediction; it's a call to repentance and a plea for change. Important Note: This verse often gets misinterpreted as a prophecy of Israel's downfall solely due to its leaders. However, it's more complex than that. It speaks to a deeper spiritual problem – the moral decay within the nation itself - and God’s judgment on those who stray from His path. Do you want me to: Explain any of these phrases in more detail? Connect this verse to other biblical stories or themes?