Definition: Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 3:13. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic statement about God’s judgment and warning. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “God is speaking to us, and he’s very serious about what he wants to do.” It's a message of impending doom – a judgment coming for those who are not listening to God. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Amos 3:13” : This refers to a specific prophet named Amos, and this verse is part of a larger section in the Old Testament called “The Book of Amos.” “Hear ye” : This is a command – God is speaking directly to us. It’s a call for attention. “and testify in the house of Jacob” : "Jacob" is a name that refers to the patriarch of Israel, and it's often translated as “Israel.” So, this refers to a specific place – a particular location where God is speaking. “House of Jacob” is a symbolic term suggesting a place of importance or significance. “Sayeth the Lord GOD the God of hosts” : This is the most important part. "The Lord God" is God as we understand him in the Bible, and “the God of hosts” is a very powerful way of saying that he is speaking – he’s the one who is making this judgment. Putting it all together: God is calling out to us, telling us to listen carefully, and warning us about what’s going to happen if we don’t. It's a serious message about consequences for those who are not listening or are rejecting God’s word. It’s essentially a judgment coming on the people of Israel, and it’s a strong warning. What does this mean practically? This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the destruction of the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. It's a message of impending disaster, highlighting God's justice and his desire for righteousness. In short: This verse is a powerful warning from God about judgment and a call to listen to God’s word. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event or story in the Bible? Discuss its significance within the context of the Old Testament?