Definition: They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 8:14. It's a really powerful and sobering message about judgment and the future. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is predicting a terrible disaster that will strike a region – likely in Israel – because of their deep-seated sins. The phrase "swear by the sin of Samaria" means they've been actively rejecting God’s laws and honoring Him with a shameful disregard for His word. It suggests a serious rebellion against what’s right. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “They that swear by the sin of Samaria…” – This refers to a group of people in Samaria, a region known for its rebellious and immoral behavior. The word "swear" here means to make a solemn declaration or promise. So, they're making a vow that they will reject God’s rules. “…and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.” – This is the core of the warning. It's saying that these people have made a pact with evil and are actively rejecting God’s guidance. “Thy god, O Dan…” - This refers to Dan, a powerful king in Samaria. He represents a particular kind of power – perhaps an emphasis on earthly power over divine authority. "...liveth" – They've declared their god as alive! “…and, The manner of Beersheba liveth” – They’re also rejecting God’s principles for the people of Beersheba, a region known for its faithfulness and righteous living. "...even they shall fall, and never rise up again.” – This is the crucial part. It means that this rebellion will lead to complete destruction and a permanent loss of their way. They’ll be forever abandoned, unable to recover or rebuild. What does it mean in terms of God's perspective? Amos is warning us about Israel’s spiritual state. It suggests they've become so focused on their own desires and power that they've lost sight of the true path – following God’s laws and worshiping Him. The verse implies a judgment coming because this rejection will have devastating consequences for them. Important Note: This is a prophecy – it’s a prediction of what will happen. It doesn’t tell us how the judgment will occur, but it warns about the potential for a catastrophic outcome. --- To help me explain it better to you, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (Are you curious about its meaning, its context, or how it relates to other parts of Scripture?)