6 Thus says the Lord , "For three transgressions of Gaza and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because they deported an entire population To deliver it up to Edom . 7 "So I will send fire upon the wall of Gaza And it will consume her citadels . 8 "I will also cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod , And him who holds the scepter , from Ashkelon ; I will even [1]unleash My [2]power upon Ekron , And the remnant of the Philistines will perish ," Says the Lord [3]GOD .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 1:6-8
Chapter Contents
Judgments against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites, and Ammonites.
GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services, ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment. Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!