Definition: The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 4:2. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about God’s plan for humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is saying that He – God – has already made a very firm promise that He will take people away from this world, and their descendants, through a very specific and brutal method. It's not a gentle warning; it’s a terrifying declaration of His power. Let's unpack the details: “The Lord GOD hath sworn…” : This is God speaking directly to himself, acknowledging that He has made this promise. It’s a statement of absolute certainty. “…that, lo, the days shall come upon you…” : This means that this specific period of time is coming – it's not just a general future event. It's a definite, impending timeframe. “Lo” is a Hebrew word meaning "let it be," and it’s used to emphasize this declaration. “…that he will take you away with hooks…” : This is the frightening part. “Hooks” are a metaphor for something that binds or holds someone – in this case, people. They're being taken away from their lives, their families, and their future. It’s not just about physical removal; it suggests a complete separation. "...and your posterity with fishhooks.” : This is the most disturbing part. “Fishhooks” are symbolic of something that can be used to trap and kill – a brutal, destructive way to take away a family. The idea is that God will destroy their future generations through this method. Overall Meaning & Context: Amos was speaking to a people who were experiencing great injustice and suffering. He’s using this vivid imagery to warn them about the coming judgment of God, particularly regarding the wickedness they had been practicing. The verse suggests that God is not just punishing them; He intends to remove them from their lives entirely – to literally remove them from existence through a horrific act. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a prophecy of a devastating apocalypse, but it’s also seen as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's truth and embracing evil. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on my understanding of biblical interpretation and should be viewed as a general overview. The Bible is complex, and different interpretations exist. Do you want to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain the symbolism behind the "hooks" and "fishhooks"?