Amos 9:3
Amos 9:3 in Multiple Translations
Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and it shall bite them.
Though they take cover on the top of Carmel, I will go in search of them and get them out; though they keep themselves from my eyes in the bed of the sea, I will give orders to the great snake there and he will give them a bite:
Even if they hide themselves at the top of Mount Carmel, I will search for them and catch them. Even if they hide from me at the bottom of the sea, I will command the sea serpent to bite them.
And though they hide them selues in the toppe of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence: and though they be hid from my sight in the bottome of the sea, thence will I commande the serpent, and he shall bite them.
And if they be hid in the top of Carmel, From thence I search out, and have taken them, And if they be hid from Mine eyes in the bottom of the sea, From thence I command the serpent, And it hath bitten them.
Though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out from there; and though they be hidden from my sight in the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent, and it will bite them.
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they are hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:
And though they be hid in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them away from thence: and though they hide themselves from my eyes in the depth of the sea, there will I command the serpent and he shall bite them.
If they go to the top of Carmel Mountain to escape, I will search for them and seize them. If they try to hide from me at the bottom of the sea, I will command the huge sea monster to bite them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Amos 9:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Amos 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
יֵחָֽבְאוּ֙
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
הַ/כַּרְמֶ֔ל
מִ/שָּׁ֥ם
אֲחַפֵּ֖שׂ
וּ/לְקַחְתִּ֑י/ם
וְ/אִם
יִסָּ֨תְר֜וּ
מִ/נֶּ֤גֶד
עֵינַ/י֙
בְּ/קַרְקַ֣ע
הַ/יָּ֔ם
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
אֲצַוֶּ֥ה
אֶת
הַ/נָּחָ֖שׁ
וּ/נְשָׁכָֽ/ם
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יֵחָֽבְאוּ֙
châbâʼ
H2244
to hide
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms
הַ/כַּרְמֶ֔ל
Karmel
H3760
Carmel
Art | N-proper
מִ/שָּׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
אֲחַפֵּ֖שׂ
châphas
H2664
to search
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
וּ/לְקַחְתִּ֑י/ם
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
יִסָּ֨תְר֜וּ
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
מִ/נֶּ֤גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
עֵינַ/י֙
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
בְּ/קַרְקַ֣ע
qarqaʻ
H7172
floor
Prep | N-ms
הַ/יָּ֔ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
אֲצַוֶּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
to command
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נָּחָ֖שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
serpent
Art | N-ms
וּ/נְשָׁכָֽ/ם
nâshak
H5391
to bite
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 9:3
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יֵחָֽבְאוּ֙
châbâʼ
H2244
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
To hide means to secrete or withdraw, often for safety or protection. In the Bible, this word is used to describe hiding oneself or being forced into hiding. It appears in various forms, including to hide oneself or to be hidden by someone else.
Definition: 1) to withdraw, hide 1a) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1b) (Pual) to be forced into hiding 1c) (Hiphil) to hide 1d) (Hophal) to be hidden 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to hide oneself, draw back 1e2) to draw together, thicken, harden
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] held, hide (self), do secretly. See also: Genesis 3:8; 1 Kings 18:4; Isaiah 42:22.
בְּ/רֹ֣אשׁ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/כַּרְמֶ֔ל
Karmel
H3760
"Carmel"
Art | N-proper
Mount Carmel is a hill and town in northern Israel, described in the Bible as a fruitful and plentiful field, as seen in 1 Kings 18. The name means garden-land.
Definition: § Carmel = "garden-land" a mountain on the Mediterranean coast of northern Israel, just below Haifa
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Carmel, fruitful (plentiful) field, (place). See also: Joshua 12:22; 2 Kings 2:25; Isaiah 33:9.
מִ/שָּׁ֥ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֲחַפֵּ֖שׂ
châphas
H2664
"to search"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for search means to look for something or someone, and can also mean to disguise oneself or hide. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 119:2, where it means to seek God's commands.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, to search out, disguise oneself 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search for 1a2) to think out, devise 1a3) to search, test 1b) (Niphal) to be searched out, be exposed 1c) (Piel) to search, search through, search for 1d) (Pual) to be searched for, be sought out 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to disguise oneself 1e2) to let oneself be searched for
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: change, (make) diligent (search), disquise self, hide, search (for, out). See also: Genesis 31:35; Job 30:18; Psalms 64:7.
וּ/לְקַחְתִּ֑י/ם
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִסָּ֨תְר֜וּ
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
מִ/נֶּ֤גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
עֵינַ/י֙
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
בְּ/קַרְקַ֣ע
qarqaʻ
H7172
"floor"
Prep | N-ms
This word means the floor or bottom of something, like a building or the sea. It describes a flat surface, often made of pieces or tiles, and is used in the Bible to talk about the foundation of things.
Definition: floor, bottom
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bottom, ([idiom] one side of the) floor. See also: Numbers 5:17; 1 Kings 6:30; Amos 9:3.
הַ/יָּ֔ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
מִ/שָּׁ֛ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
אֲצַוֶּ֥ה
tsâvâh
H6680
"to command"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded
Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נָּחָ֖שׁ
nâchâsh
H5175
"serpent"
Art | N-ms
A serpent is a snake, often symbolizing evil, as in Genesis 3:1 where the serpent tempts Eve. It can also represent danger or harm.
Definition: 1) serpent, snake 1a) serpent 1b) image (of serpent) 1c) fleeing serpent (mythological)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: serpent. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 140:4.
וּ/נְשָׁכָֽ/ם
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
Study Notes — Amos 9:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Amos 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Amos 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Amos 9:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 9:3
- Cambridge Bible on Amos 9:3
- Barnes' Notes on Amos 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Amos 9:3
- Sermons on Amos 9:3
Context — The Destruction of Israel
1I saw the Lord standing beside the altar, and He said: “Strike the tops of the pillars so that the thresholds shake. Topple them on the heads of all the people, and I will kill the rest with the sword. None of those who flee will get away; none of the fugitives will escape.
2Though they dig down to Sheol, from there My hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, from there I will pull them down.
3Though they hide themselves atop Carmel, there I will track them and seize them; and though they hide from Me at the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent to bite them.
4Though they are driven by their enemies into captivity, there I will command the sword to slay them. I will fix My eyes upon them for harm and not for good.” 5The Lord GOD of Hosts, He who touches the earth and it melts, and all its dwellers mourn— all the land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 16:16 | But for now I will send for many fishermen, declares the LORD, and they will catch them. After that I will send for many hunters, and they will hunt them down on every mountain and hill, even from the clefts of the rocks. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:23–24 | “Am I only a God nearby,” declares the LORD, “and not a God far away?” “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Isaiah 27:1 | In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea. |
| 4 | Job 34:22 | There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. |
| 5 | Amos 1:2 | He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.” |
| 6 | Psalms 139:9–11 | If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— |
Amos 9:3 Summary
[Amos 9:3 teaches us that no matter where we go or what we do, we cannot hide from God. He is omnipresent and all-knowing, as seen in verses like Psalm 139:7-10 and Jeremiah 23:24. This means that whether we try to escape on a high mountain like Carmel or dive to the bottom of the sea, God will always find us. It's a reminder of His power and our accountability to Him, similar to what is stated in Romans 14:12.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to hide themselves atop Carmel in Amos 9:3?
Carmel was a mountain in Israel known for its beauty and fertility, so hiding there may symbolize attempts to escape God's judgment in a place of comfort or security, as seen in other verses like Psalm 139:7-10 where David acknowledges God's omnipresence.
Can anyone really hide from God?
No, according to Jeremiah 23:24, God fills heaven and earth, and in Proverbs 15:3, we're told that His eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on both the wicked and the good, emphasizing the futility of trying to hide from Him as stated in Amos 9:3.
What does the serpent in the sea represent in this verse?
The serpent could represent any means God might use to bring judgment upon those trying to escape Him, similar to how God used various means to judge His people throughout the Bible, such as in Exodus 7:9-10 where serpents are a symbol of God's power and judgment.
Is this verse only talking about physical hiding or is there a spiritual aspect?
While the verse uses physical locations like mountains and the sea, it also speaks to the spiritual reality that one cannot hide from God's presence or judgment, a theme echoed in Psalm 51:17 and Isaiah 29:15-16, where spiritual hiding is addressed.
Reflection Questions
- How do I sometimes try to 'hide' from God, and what does this reveal about my understanding of His nature?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of God's omnipresence in my daily life, especially in moments where I feel like I can 'get away' with something?
- What does the image of God commanding a serpent to bite those hiding at the bottom of the sea evoke in me, and how does it relate to my perception of God's power and judgment?
- How can remembering that God sees and knows all things (as mentioned in Hebrews 4:13) impact my decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 9:3
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel,.... One of the highest mountains in the land of Israel; in the woods upon it, and caves in it: I will search and take them out from thence: by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 9:3
And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 9:3
Though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel; one high woody mountain, shelter and hiding-place for wild beasts, by a figure put for all the rest; if they think to be safe where wild beasts find a refuge, they are deceived, I will search and take them out thence; I will, saith God, hunt them out, and take them. Though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea: this is an irony like brutish atheists, they think to hide themselves in the bottom of the sea. Thence will I command the serpent, crocodile or shark some sea monster, and he shall bite them; devour them. Miserable Israel, to whom nor sea, nor mountains, nor heaven, nor hell will afford a hiding-place!
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 9:3
Amos 9:3 And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:Ver. 3. And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel] In densis silvis, inter spelaea ferarum. In the thick woods among the dens of the wild beasts. Lawful enough it is in some cases to hide, as David did often and Elias, and Christ, and Paul, 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, and Athanasius, and various other saints. Tertullian was too rigid in condemning all kind of hiding in evil times. But to hide from God, who searcheth Jerusalem with lights, and to whom the darkness and the light are both alike, Psalms 139:12, to whom obscura clarent, muta respondent, silentium confitetur, this is base and bootless. Carmel shall not cover them, nor any other startinghole secure them from Divine justice. The poor Jews were pulled by the Romans out of privies and other underground places, where they had hid themselves, as Josephus writeth; and so were those Samaritans served by the Assyrians, who ferreted them out, and slaughtered them. And though they be hid from my sight] As they think, but that cannot be; for he (like the optic virtue in the eye) sees all and is seen of none. In the bottom of the sea] Which, how deep and troublesome soever, is to God a sea of glass like unto crystal, Revelation 4:6 : corpus diaphanum, a pervious, clear, transparent body such as he sees through, and hath the sole command of.
Thence will I command the serpent] For therre is that crooked serpent leviathan, Isaiah 27:1, there are also creeping things innumerable Psalms 104:26, to arrest wicked men as rebels and traitors to the highest majesty, and to drag them down to the bottom of bell. All elements and creatures shall draw upon them, as servants will do upon such as assault their lord Rebellisque facta est, quia homo numini, creatura homini, as Austin truly and trimly avoucheth.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 9:3
(3) Serpent.—On this expression, i.e., the “waterserpent,” comp. Isaiah 27:1.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Amos 9:3
Verse 3. Though they hide themselves] All these are metaphorical expressions, to show the impossibility of escape.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 9:3
3. Two other examples of remote or inaccessible hiding-places, similarly contrasted; Carmel, rising abruptly out of the sea, and the depths of the ocean which it overhangs. Carmel was in two ways a hiding-place: (1) As usual in limestone formations, it abounds in caves—said by some to be more than 2000 in number—often of great length, with narrow entrances, and extremely tortuous. These caves are “so close to each other that a pursuer would not discern into which the fugitive had vanished; so serpentine within, that ‘ten steps apart,’ says a traveler[198], ‘we could hear each others’ voices, but could not see each other’ ” (Pusey). (2) The summit of Carmel, about 1800 ft. above the sea, is thickly wooded (see the descriptions quoted on ch. Amos 1:2; and comp. Micah 7:14); in the first cent. a.d., according to Strabo (xvi. 2. 28), its forests were the retreat of robbers. Carmel, projecting into the sea, would be the last hiding-place in the land: if a fugitive found no safety there, he could seek it next only in the sea. But even the sea, as the next clause says, should afford no safety for these Israelites. [198] Schulz, Leitung des Höchsten, v. 186; Paulus, Reisen, vii. 43.the serpent] In warm tropical regions, highly venomous marine serpents (Hydropidae) are found in the sea (see particulars in Cantor, Zoological Transactions, ii. pp. 303 ff., referred to by Dr Pusey). They are not, however, known in the Mediterranean; and the reference is more probably to an imaginary monster, supposed by the Hebrews to have its home at the bottom of the ocean, and to be at the disposal of the Almighty.
Barnes' Notes on Amos 9:3
He had contrasted heaven and hell, as places impossible for man to reach; as I David says, “If I ascend into heaven, Thou art there: If l make my bed in hell, behold Thee” Psalms 139:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 9:3
1. I saw — The other visions are introduced with “Jehovah showed unto me.” The Lord — He is the central figure in this vision, not a symbolic object or act. Standing — As in Amos 7:7.
Sermons on Amos 9:3
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God's Holiness - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the hatred of sin in the eyes of God. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including Luke 1 |
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Slightly Healed by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disappointment of God with His chosen people, using the analogy of a vineyard. Despite God's efforts to cultivate and protect His people, |
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The Omnipresent One by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on various examples of individuals trying to escape from God's presence but ultimately finding that God is always waiting for them. The speaker |
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The Attributes of God - Part 6 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the wonders of God's creation, both in the natural world and in the spiritual realm. He emphasizes the finely tuned nature of the universe an |
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Jeremiahs Nuclear Nightmare by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of sudden destruction as mentioned in various biblical passages. He emphasizes that all the prophets spoke about this impending des |
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God's Omnipotence - Part 1 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher explores the concept of God's omnipresence and authority over all places. He emphasizes that while we are accustomed to things having their rightful pl |
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Attributes of God #7 "The Omnipresence of God" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer explores the omnipresence of God, emphasizing that God is not limited by space and is present everywhere, close to all creation. He explains that while God is always nea |