Definition: And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 6:9. It's a really important warning about the dangers of being too close to God and focusing on things that don’t truly matter. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Message: This verse is telling us that if you’re too focused on things that are outside of God – things like wealth, power, or even social status – they can become a dangerous trap. It warns against being overly comfortable and reliant on these things. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And it shall come to pass…” : This is a prophecy – a prediction about what will happen. It’s not saying this will always happen, but it's a significant warning. “…if there remain ten men in one house…” : This refers to a specific situation - a household or family unit. It suggests that a small group of people (ten) are living together and experiencing a particular problem. "...that they shall die." : This is the consequence – death. The Interpretation – What it's really saying: Amos, a prophet in the Old Testament, was warning about a situation where people were becoming complacent and losing their way. He saw this as a danger because: It’s about spiritual focus: The verse highlights that our lives should be centered on God. When we become too attached to worldly things, we lose sight of what truly matters – our relationship with God. Blindness to God's Will: The verse suggests that if people aren’t listening to and obeying God's guidance, they might make choices that lead to disaster. Lack of Trust: It warns against a lack of trust in God's plan for us. In essence, the verse is a call to humility and to never let our desires or possessions overshadow our relationship with God. It’s about recognizing that true security and happiness come from a deep connection with God, not from anything else. Important Note: This verse isn't necessarily about a literal death in the house. It's a metaphor for a situation where people are trapped in a cycle of materialism or pride that leads to unhappiness and ultimately, death (figuratively speaking – spiritual death). --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss its connection to other biblical passages?