Definition: And the Lord GOD of hosts [is] he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It's a pretty dramatic and evocative passage from the book of Amos. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about judgment and devastation – a catastrophic end for the land God loves. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the Lord GOD of hosts [is] he that toucheth the land…” - This is a very formal way of saying “God is touching the land.” It suggests a direct, forceful action. "...and it shall melt..." – This isn't just a change in temperature. It means the land will become completely melted or destroyed. Think of ice melting into water. "...and all that dwell therein shall mourn…” - The people living on the land will be deeply saddened and heartbroken. "...and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as [by] the flood of Egypt.” – This is where it gets really powerful. The verse compares this destruction to a massive flood – imagine a gigantic wave washing over everything. It’s likened to the biblical story of the Nile River in ancient times, which was incredibly destructive. Putting it all together: Amos is warning about a future time when God will punish the land and its people with a terrible disaster. He's saying that God’s judgment will be so intense, it will completely destroy everything – both the land itself and its inhabitants – in a way that resembles a massive flood. It’s a very serious message of impending doom and divine wrath. Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a prophecy about the destruction of Israel during the time of King Josiah. However, it's also seen as a broader warning about God’s judgment against all who reject him and disobey his commands. --- To help me explain further or answer any specific questions you might have, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., the symbolism, its connection to other biblical stories, etc.)