Definition: But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 6:14. It’s a pretty serious warning, and it speaks about a future conflict with Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God is going to actively punish Israel for their sins. He’s planning a large-scale invasion and destruction. Let's unpack the parts: “But, behold…” – This is a dramatic pause, setting up a significant event about to happen. “I will raise up against you a nation…” – This is a strong statement of God’s intent: He intends to defeat and destroy Israel. It’s not just a general feeling; it's a deliberate plan. “…O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts…” - This is a formal address to the people of Israel – they are being called out as the target. “Saith” means "said" in Old Testament Hebrew. "...and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness.” – This is the most crucial part and describes how he will do it: Hemath: This refers to the land of Judah, which is a significant area within Israel. River of the Wilderness: This is a vast, arid region in the east, often associated with deserts. It’s a place of hardship and isolation. Putting it all together – What does this mean practically? It suggests that God intends to: 1. Intimidate Israel: He wants to make them fear him and his wrath. 2. Disrupt their Life: The verse implies that the invasion will severely disrupt their economy, trade, and way of life. 3. Force Them Out: The "affliction" part means they'll be forced to leave their land – potentially leading to displacement and hardship. Important Note: This is a warning verse, not necessarily a prediction of every single event. It’s a message of impending doom for Israel, but it doesn't guarantee the exact details of what will happen. In short, this verse portrays a future conflict where God intends to punish and destroy Israel because they have fallen into sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this passage to other parts of the Bible? Discuss why this verse is significant for understanding biblical prophecy?