Definition: Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 8:4. It’s a really powerful and sobering message about how God sees those who are struggling. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: This verse says that God is watching over the land and he’s very angry with people who deliberately try to hurt the poor and vulnerable. He’s saying, “Listen closely! I see you intentionally trying to make the poor even worse.” Let's unpack it further: “Hear this…” : This tells us that this isn’t a casual observation; God is directly addressing them. “…O ye that swallow up the needy…” : This refers to people who are struggling – those who are poor, vulnerable, and have little in the way of support. “Swallowing up” means they're being deliberately taken away or diminished. "...even to make the poor of the land to fail…" : This is the core of the message. It’s saying that these people are actively trying to destroy the prosperity and well-being of those who are already struggling. They are intentionally causing hardship for others. The overall message: Amos 8:4 is a warning about cruelty and selfishness . It’s a reminder that God doesn't tolerate injustice. It suggests that people who exploit or harm the poor are not welcome in God’s sight. Important Context (Briefly): This verse comes from Amos, a prophet who spoke out against the injustices of his time. He was concerned about the growing wealth and power of those who were hoarding resources while many others suffered. It's often interpreted as a call to action – to be compassionate and to stand up for those who are being taken advantage of. In short, it’s a serious warning against greed and exploitation, urging us to be kind and supportive of the vulnerable. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Talk about how this verse relates to modern-day issues?