Amos 9:1
I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.
Amos 9:1 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in the book of Amos, is a vivid depiction of a vision the prophet had of the Lord standing upon the altar. The Lord speaks of destruction and judgment, instructing for the door lintel to be struck so that the posts may shake and for the people to be cut down, with none escaping the impending doom. The imagery used here emphasizes the severity of the consequences for the people's actions and the certainty of their punishment. The mention of fleeing and escaping without deliverance reinforces the idea that there is no escaping divine justice. This verse serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience and the inevitable judgment that will come upon those who turn away from God. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance and the consequences of ignoring God's call to righteousness.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Amos 9:1, we see a powerful and dramatic image of the Lord standing upon the altar, a symbol of His presence and authority. The language used here is strong and evocative, with vivid imagery of destruction and judgement. The word 'altar' holds significant theological significance in the Bible, representing sacrifice, atonement, and connection with God. The act of smiting the lintel of the door and cutting the posts in the head symbolizes a complete and final judgment upon the people. The phrase "he that fleeth of them shall not flee away" underscores the idea that there will be no escape from the consequences of their actions. The use of the sword as a tool of judgement is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, signifying the inescapable justice of God. Overall, this verse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the unchanging nature of God's righteousness.
Amos 9:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
I saw the Lord standing beside the altar: and he said, Smite the capitals, that the thresholds may shake; and break them in pieces on the head of all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: there shall not one of them flee away, and there shall not one of them escape.
World English Bible
I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and he said, “Strike the tops of the pillars, that the thresholds may shake; and break them in pieces on the head of all of them; and I will kill the last of them with the sword: there shall not one of them flee away, and there shall not one of them escape.
Douay-Rheims
I saw the Lord standing upon the altar, and he said: Strike the hinges, and let the lintels be shook: for there is covetousness in the head of them all, and I will slay the last of them with the sword: there shall be no flight for them: they shall flee, and he that shall flee of them shall not be delivered.
Geneva Bible (1599)
I sawe the Lord standing vpon the altar, and he sayde, Smite the lintel of the doore, that the postes may shake: and cut them in pieces, euen the heads of them all, and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them, shall not flee away: and he that escapeth of them, shall not be deliuered.