Amos 1:13
13 This is what the Lord says:
“Because the Ammonites have committed three crimes ▼▼tn Traditionally, “transgressions” (KJV, ASV, NASB, NRSV) or “sins” (NIV). For an explanation of the atrocities outlined in this oracle as treaty violations of God’s mandate to Noah in
Gen 9:5-7, see the note on the word “violations” in
1:3.
—
make that four ▼▼tn Heb “Because of three violations of the Ammonites, even because of four.” On the
three…four style that introduces each of the judgment oracles of chaps.
1-2 see the note on the word “four” in
1:3.
—I will not revoke my decree of judgment. ▼▼tn Heb “I will not bring it [or “him”] back.” The translation understands the pronominal object to refer to the decree of judgment that follows; the referent (the decree) has been specified in the translation for clarity. For another option see the note on the word “judgment” in
1:3.
They ripped open Gilead’s pregnant women ▼▼sn The Ammonites
ripped open Gilead’s pregnant women in conjunction with a military invasion designed to expand their territory. Such atrocities, although repugnant, were not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern warfare.
so they could expand their territory.
