Definition: And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very important verse from the Book of Amos. It’s a pretty striking and somewhat unsettling passage. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a massive and dramatic change that God intends to bring about. Let’s unpack it word by word: “And it shall come to pass in that day…” – This sets the stage for something significant happening. “That day” refers to a future time, likely a long time from now. “…sayeth the Lord GOD…” - This is God speaking directly to us. It's a powerful declaration. “…that I will cause the sun to go down at noon…” – This means that exactly at midday (when the sun is highest in the sky), something will happen. "...and I will darken the earth in the clear day:” - This is the key part! "Darken" means to make something less bright or visible. The “clear day” refers to the daytime – the time when the sun shines brightly. So, God intends to cover the world with darkness. So, what does this all mean? It’s a message of judgment and impending doom . God is saying that He will bring about a terrible future where the entire world will be plunged into darkness. Interpretations & Context (Important Note - This isn't always easy to fully grasp): A Time of Punishment: Some people interpret this verse as a sign of God’s displeasure with humanity and its wickedness. It suggests that we are in a state where God is punishing our sins and rebellion against Him. A Warning: It’s often seen as a warning to the people of Israel, urging them to repent (turn away from their sins) and seek a relationship with God. Important Note: This verse isn't meant to be taken casually. It’s a very serious statement about the future. In short, "Amos 8:9" describes a dramatic shift – a complete darkness – that God intends to bring upon the world. It’s a powerful image of judgment and impending catastrophe. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Explore different interpretations of the verse? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?