Definition: And they lay [themselves] down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned [in] the house of their god.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Amos 2:8. It’s a really powerful and disturbing verse that describes a horrific scene. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Amos is speaking to the people of Israel. He’s a prophet telling them about a terrible situation – they’re deeply involved in idolatry (worshiping false gods). He describes a ritual sacrifice. The people are laying themselves down on clothes, essentially being offered as a sacrifice. The wine of the condemned is poured into the house of their god. This is the crucial part. “Condemned” means they’re being punished or exiled by God. And the wine – a drink typically used in rituals – is being poured into the house of their god. Putting it Together - A Deeper Understanding: This verse paints a very bleak picture: Idolatry is at its peak. It's not just worshipping other gods; it’s completely abandoning the true God and turning to false idols – things that look like gods but aren’t. They are being treated as sacrifices. The act of laying down on clothes, offering themselves, and drinking a drink meant for worship is a horrifying demonstration of their devotion to something else. It's a symbolic representation of giving up their true faith. It’s a punishment. The fact that the wine is poured into the house of their god suggests a severe punishment – perhaps exile or destruction. Overall Meaning & Significance: This passage is a strong warning about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of worshipping God alone. It highlights how easily people can stray from the true path when they become too focused on worldly things and false idols. It’s a stark reminder that our relationship with God should be one of reverence, devotion, and trust. Important Note: This verse is quite graphic and disturbing. It's important to approach it with sensitivity and understand the context of the ancient world. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any specific part of this explanation? For example, would you like to know more about: The historical context of the time? What the "condemned" people were doing?