Definition: Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex and poetic passage from the Book of Amos. It's a really rich and symbolic verse, and it’s often misunderstood! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s ultimate plan for the future – a future where some people will be punished and others will be spared. It’s a dramatic prediction of judgment. Let's dissect it piece by piece: “Though they dig into hell” : This refers to the human actions that lead to sin and wickedness. "Digging into hell" means being deeply involved in evil, morally corrupting themselves, and turning away from God. It’s about a downward spiral of choices and behaviors. “Thence shall mine hand take them” : This is a powerful image – God's hand is taking the people who are causing this destruction. It suggests that God will intervene directly to punish these wicked individuals. “Though they climb up to heaven” : This refers to the spiritual actions of those who seek to escape from sin and follow God. “Climbing up to heaven” symbolizes a spiritual ascent, a striving for righteousness and closeness to God. It’s about reaching for something higher – salvation. “Thence will I bring them down” : This is the crucial part! The verse predicts that God will actively reverse the direction . He will not just punish them; he will undo their efforts to escape. He will bring them back to the path of righteousness. Putting it all together – a simplified interpretation: God sees what humanity is doing—it’s leading to moral decay and rebellion against him. He has a plan to punish those who are actively choosing evil, but he also has a way to restore them . He will take the wicked back to where they came from, not through punishment alone, but through a conscious shift toward righteousness. Symbolic Meaning: The verse is often interpreted as a warning about the consequences of sin and the possibility of redemption. It’s a message of hope – even in the face of judgment, God offers a way back to the path of salvation. Important Note: This is a complex passage filled with symbolism. Different interpretations exist within biblical scholarship. However, this explanation captures the core meaning of the verse. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to delve deeper into: The imagery used (like "hell" and "heaven")? The symbolism of digging into hell or climbing up to heaven?