Definition: Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: [be they] better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Amos 6:2. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible, and it’s packed with meaning! Here’s an explanation simplified for you: The Basic Idea: This verse is about divine judgment and a future conflict. It’s essentially saying that God is going to punish the people of Israel (and potentially other nations) for their wickedness. He's setting up a plan to see how they’ll react to his displeasure. Let’s look at it piece by piece: "Amos 6:2 Pass ye unto Calneh..." : This refers to a specific place in Israel called Calneh. It’s a prominent city that was historically important. “Pass unto” means “go towards.” "...and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great:” Hamath is a major port city in Philistia (the region between Israel and Egypt). This verse describes a specific location – Hamath, which was a very important one. "[be] better than these kingdoms?" : This is the core of the question. The writer is asking if Hamath is better than all the other kingdoms (countries) that exist at that time. "or their border greater than your border?" : This is where it gets really serious. The writer is suggesting that Hamath’s position and importance would be so great that it would extend far beyond the borders of Israel, making it a significant threat. What's the message behind this? God’s Justice: This verse highlights God’s righteous judgment on those who are causing trouble and mistreating others. It’s not just about punishment; it’s about justice being served. Future Conflict: The passage sets up a future battle or struggle between Israel and the Philistines. The writer is warning that this conflict will be significant because of Hamath's power. Important Context (Briefly): Amos was a prophet who spoke to the Israelites in a time of great crisis, facing internal strife and external threats. This verse is part of a larger message about God’s plan to ultimately restore Israel and bring justice to all nations. In simpler terms: God is going to punish the Israelites for their sins, and Hamath (a powerful port city) will be the focal point of this punishment because it represents a significant threat to the entire region. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of Hamath and Philistia? Discuss the significance of the "borders" mentioned?