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Daily Devotions

Amos

Amos 
Day 
Day 15

"Transgressions of Gaza"

Text: Amos 1:6

DIFFERENT TERMS

Different terms have been used to describe the land of Israel. Here are some of them:

1. Canaan (the Promised Land)

The Canaanites were made up of different ethnic groups (Genesis 15:18-21)

2. The land of Israel

Joshua led the children to conquer the land. The Lord helped them to establish Canaan as their land (Joshua 11-24).

3. Palestine

This term was also used (especially in modern times).

The word “Palestine” is to be found in the word “Philistine.” This was a war-like people who were ancient enemies of Israel.

PHILISTIA

The Philistines were made up of chieftains who ruled them. There developed many city-strongholds. The most famous were Gath, Ekron, Ashkelon, Ashdod and Gaza. Four of them were mentioned in Amos. Gath was not mentioned, probably because it had not been able to maintain its strength.

GAZA

Gaza was the southernmost part of the cities of the Philistines. The other four were situated near to Jerusalem. Thus, the Philistines were a constant threat to Israel’s existence.

“Thus says the LORD:
‘For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because they took captive the whole captivity
To deliver them up to Edom.'”
Amos 1:6

1. Standard opening statement in Amos 1

a) Thus says the LORD.
b) For three transgressions and for four.
c) The Lord would judge and pronounce His verdict against Gaza.

2. “I will not turn away its punishment”

a) The sins of Gaza will be judged.
b) The punishment will be meted out in full in God’s Divine will.

3. “Because they took captive the whole captivity”

a) Israel had suffered badly in war and many were made captives.
b) Gaza made sure no Israelite was spared (“The whole captivity”).

4. To deliver them to Edom

The Edomites were descendants of Esau. They were slave traders! The Philistines in Gaza showed no pity or mercy to the captive Israelites. They were sold as slaves to the Edomites. As they showed no mercy, nor would they be granted mercy in their judgment and punishment.