Definition: Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD [are] upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 9:8. It’s a really important one with a lot of meaning! Here's what it says in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s judgment and a future change in the world. It speaks to a time when God is very focused on those who are sinful . And, crucially, He plans to destroy that group of people, but not completely destroy everything – He wants to save a part of what they built. Let's break it down word by word: “Amos 9:8” : This is the name of the passage – it’s a prophecy from the book of Amos. “Behold…” : This is a way of saying “Watch this!” or “Notice this.” It's a command to pay attention. “the eyes of the Lord GOD [are] upon” : This is a really striking phrase. "The eyes" means God is looking directly at something. It’s not just looking; it’s focusing his attention on this group. It suggests He's intensely aware and concerned. “the sinful kingdom” : This refers to the people who are living in a state of wickedness, rebellion against God, and disregard for His laws. "Sinful" means they don't follow God’s rules or principles. Think of them as being on a path that leads away from righteousness. “I will destroy it from off the face of the earth” : This is a strong statement – God intends to completely erase this group from existence. It's like saying they're being wiped out. “saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob” : This is where it gets a little more complicated, and the "house of Jacob" refers to the Jewish people (the descendants of Isaac and Rebekah). It’s not about destroying everyone in the Jewish community, but rather protecting the core of their identity and their faith. “Utterly destroy” means to completely eliminate them - a final, total annihilation. “Saith the LORD” : This is God speaking directly. What Does it Mean Overall? The verse suggests that God is watching over a group of people who are consistently rejecting His guidance and leading a life that’s not pleasing to Him. He's actively intervening to bring about a significant change – a complete destruction of this group, but with the intention of preserving something valuable within them. It speaks to a time of judgment and purification. Important Context: The Bible often uses prophecies to describe future events. This verse is part of a larger story that points toward a coming event where God will ultimately judge His people – but it's also about a future outcome, not something happening now . In short, this verse warns of impending judgment and speaks of God’s active plan to cleanse the world of those who are resisting Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you a quick summary of its meaning? Discuss what it might be hinting at in terms of the future?