What is the definition of Amos 5:19?

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

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Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Amos 5:19. It's a really striking image that speaks to a serious warning about sin and its consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms:
The Core Idea:
This verse describes a situation where someone is facing a terrible danger – something incredibly dangerous – and they 💎choose💎 to ignore it, even when it’s clearly harmful. It's a stark illustration of how we often choose to live a life that leads to suffering.
Let's unpack the imagery:
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“As if a man did flee from a lion…”
- This is a huge exaggeration. Lions are incredibly powerful and dangerous wild animals. It’s saying that someone who 💎doesn’t💎 take seriously danger – perhaps because they’re complacent, lazy, or don't think about the consequences – is putting themselves in an incredibly risky situation. 💎
“…and a bear met him.”
- This is a more realistic, but still frightening, image. Bears are powerful animals too! It suggests that someone who isn't mindful of their actions might stumble into something difficult or painful. 💎
“Or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall…”
– This is where the danger really becomes apparent. It’s like someone is passively accepting harm while they are close to it. They’re not actively fighting or trying to protect themselves. 💎
“…and a serpent bit him.”
- Finally, this is the key image. A serpent is a dangerous creature – often associated with sin and temptation. The “biting” represents the consequences of that inaction – pain, suffering, and perhaps even death.
So, what does it mean in general?
Amos is warning us about the dangers of 💎not💎 paying attention to God’s word and His plan for our lives. It's a reminder that we are all vulnerable to danger and that we need to be vigilant against temptation and disobedience. It's about recognizing that 💎we💎 are responsible for our own well-being and choosing to live a life aligned with God’s will.
In short, it’s a warning against complacency and urging us to actively resist sin and choose righteousness.
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Do you want me to:
💎 Explain this verse in more detail? 💎 Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? 💎 Give you some practical ways to apply this verse to your own life?