Definition: Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 6:7. It's a really powerful and somewhat unsettling message about the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about a time of great upheaval and hardship coming for those who are not faithful to God. It suggests that everyone will eventually be caught up in this situation, and those who don't follow God’s path will be taken captive – meaning they’ll be held under the law’s authority, and their lives will be restricted. Let’s break it down word by word: “Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive…” This means “now” refers to a future time. The "first that go captive" is referring to people who are not faithful to God and haven't followed His laws. It’s suggesting that everyone will eventually be in this situation, regardless of how long they live. “…and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.” This is the most dramatic part. "They that stretched themselves" refers to those who have been living a life of sin and disobedience – those who are not following God’s will. “Banquet” means a feast or celebration, so this suggests a time when people will be gathered together for a glorious celebration – but it's being removed from that celebration. Overall Meaning & Context: Amos, a prophet in the Old Testament, was writing about a time of judgment and punishment coming for those who don’t follow God. This verse is a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's guidance and living a life of sin. It emphasizes that everyone will eventually be held accountable for their choices, and those who fail to obey God will face a very difficult fate. It’s often interpreted as a prediction of a time of widespread suffering and punishment. --- Important Note: This is a complex verse with layers of meaning. It's important to remember that it's part of a larger prophetic message about judgment and the importance of obedience to God's law. Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be referencing in the context of the Old Testament story?