Definition: Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 1:9. It's a really important one with a lot of layers – it’s about God’s judgment and forgiveness. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is incredibly serious about Tyrus, a city in ancient Greece (and later, part of modern-day Turkey). He's not going to let them off with just a simple warning; he’s going to punish them severely for breaking a sacred agreement. Let's unpack it word by word: “Thus saith the LORD” : This is God speaking directly to us. It’s a way of saying, "This is what I am about to say." “For three transgressions of Tyrus…” : God is pointing out specific mistakes or offenses that Tyrus committed. He's identifying exactly what they did wrong. “…and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof” : This is the crucial part. God isn’t going to let these transgressions go unpunished. He’s saying he will not forgive them. He’s determined to carry out his consequences. “because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom…” : This explains why this punishment is coming. Tyrus was essentially "captivate" – enslaved or controlled by a neighboring nation (Edom). They broke a covenant with God, and that’s what resulted in this severe punishment. “…and remembered not the brotherly covenant:” This is the final part, and it’s really important. It means they didn't understand the importance of treating their neighbors well – of being kind, trustworthy, and supportive. They weren’t showing respect to those around them. In simpler terms: God sees Tyrus as a bad example, and he will hold them accountable for their actions. He’s punishing them because they betrayed a promise and didn't treat others with kindness. It’s about upholding justice and demonstrating the importance of fellowship and trust. What does it mean for us today? This verse is often interpreted as a warning to us about: The importance of honoring our commitments: We need to be reliable and keep promises, even when it's difficult. The consequences of breaking agreements: Actions have repercussions, and ignoring those consequences can lead to problems. The value of community and friendship: Showing kindness and respect to others is essential for a healthy society. Important Note: This is a very old text with a complex historical context. It's often used as an illustration of God’s judgment and the need for righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you a different example from the Bible?