Amo 6:10 | TNotes | STEP | 6:10 to dispose of the dead: Or to burn the dead. Cremation was very uncommon in the ancient Near East (see study note on 2:1), so some interpret this phrase to mean burn a memorial fire (see Jer 34:5 ). Others take it to mean dispose of the remains , rather than perform a cremation. Yet the context—the need to dispose of multiple bodies to avoid putrefaction and disease (Amos 6:9 ; see 8:3 )—supports the idea that it means cremation.

bJer 34:5►

cAmos 6:9►

‏ Amos 6:10

6:10 ^a to dispose of the dead: Or to burn the dead. Cremation was very uncommon in the ancient Near East (see study note on 2:1), so some interpret this phrase to mean burn a memorial fire (see Jer 34:5 ^b). Others take it to mean dispose of the remains, rather than perform a cremation. Yet the context—the need to dispose of multiple bodies to avoid putrefaction and disease (Amos 6:9 ^c; see 8:3 ^d)—supports the idea that it means cremation.