Definition: And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex verse from the Book of Amos. It's a really significant passage about judgment and God’s plan for his people. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that God is going to find his people – those who are hidden or secluded – and then he will use them as a tool against their enemies. It's a dramatic prophecy about a time of great upheaval and judgment. Let’s break it down word by word: “And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel” : This refers to the region of Carmel, which is a place near Jerusalem – historically a sacred and important area for Jewish people. "Hide themselves" means they are trying to escape God's judgment or be hidden from him. “I will search and take them out thence” : This is the key part. God is going to actively look for these hidden people. He’s not just passively observing; he’s going to actively pursue them. “And though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea” : This is a bit metaphorical. The "bottom of the sea" represents vast and dangerous waters – perhaps the future chaos or turmoil that will follow. The fact that they are hidden “from my sight” suggests they’re deliberately trying to avoid him. “Thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them” : This is the most shocking part. The "serpent" refers to a symbolic figure – often interpreted as Satan or evil forces. God is going to use this serpent (representing evil) to attack and harm those hidden people. It means God intends to unleash his judgment against them. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to the idea that God is actively working towards justice and will use His chosen people as instruments of his displeasure. It’s a powerful warning about the potential for evil, and highlights God's ultimate plan to protect his faithful followers. Important Context: Amos was a prophet: This verse comes from the book of Amos, which is part of the Old Testament. Amos often warned people about sin and urged them to repent. The time of Judgment: This prophecy is believed to be related to a period of great trouble in Israel, possibly involving idolatry and rebellion against God. In short, this verse describes God's active pursuit of his people, using them as a means to defeat their enemies. --- Disclaimer: I’m an AI Chatbot; I can provide explanations based on the information available to me, but I am not a biblical scholar. This interpretation is based on scholarly analysis and understanding of the text. Would you like me to: Explain any particular part of this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical context? Offer different interpretations of the prophecy?