Definition: The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 8:7 together. It’s a pretty powerful and somewhat cryptic one, but we can understand its meaning in simple terms. Here's what it says: “The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob…” “The LORD” : This refers to God, the creator and ruler of the universe. “hath sworn” : This is a key word – it means God made a definite promise or vow. It’s like a contract between God and you. “by the excellency of Jacob” : Jacob was a very important figure in Jewish history, known for being a brave and successful man. “Excellency” here means something remarkable , wonderful , or outstanding . It suggests he was someone who was exceptionally good at something. “…Surely I will never forget any of their works.” “Surely” : This adds emphasis – it’s a strong declaration. “I will never forget” : God promises to remember everything that happens, even the smallest details. So, putting it all together: This verse is saying: God has made a promise to remember everything that happens in the future. He's promising to not forget anything important – big or small – that will happen. It’s a strong declaration of God’s unchanging nature and his commitment to justice. What does it mean practically? The message is often interpreted as a warning about the consequences of ignoring God's word or disobeying His commands. It suggests that God will hold people accountable for their actions, and that even seemingly small things can have significant repercussions if we don’t follow His path. In essence, it’s a promise of judgment and accountability, emphasizing God’s unwavering watchfulness. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like me to: Explain its historical context? Discuss its symbolism? Talk about how it relates to other parts of the Bible?