And if there are ten men left in one house
This phrase suggests a scenario of significant destruction and judgment. The number ten often symbolizes completeness or fullness in biblical numerology, indicating that even a complete group of survivors will not escape the impending judgment. The context of Amos is a prophecy against Israel, warning of the consequences of their complacency and injustice. The mention of "one house" may imply a place of refuge or safety, yet even this will not protect them from divine retribution. This reflects the severity of God's judgment, as seen in other scriptures like Isaiah 24:6, where widespread devastation is prophesied.

they too will die
This part of the verse underscores the inevitability and totality of the judgment. The certainty of death for these men highlights the inescapable nature of God's wrath due to Israel's persistent sin and rebellion. Historically, this can be connected to the Assyrian invasion, which led to the fall of Samaria and the exile of the Israelites. Theologically, it serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. This theme of inevitable judgment is echoed in other prophetic books, such as Jeremiah 25:29, where God's judgment begins with His own people. The phrase also foreshadows the ultimate judgment that will come at the end of times, as described in Revelation.

1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos was called by God to deliver a message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies often focused on social justice and the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom, which had fallen into idolatry and social injustice. Amos's prophecies were directed towards Israel's leaders and people, warning them of impending judgment due to their sins.

3. Judgment
The event prophesied by Amos, where God would bring destruction upon Israel due to their continued disobedience and failure to uphold His commandments.The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's warnings through His prophets are not to be taken lightly. Just as Amos prophesied the death of those remaining in the house, we must understand that God's judgment is certain for those who persist in sin.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Israel's fate serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. We must strive to live in obedience to God's Word to avoid similar judgment.

The Importance of Repentance
While judgment is certain for unrepentant sin, God always offers a path to redemption through repentance. We should continually examine our lives and turn back to God.

Community Responsibility
The mention of "ten men" in one house highlights the collective responsibility of a community. As believers, we are called to hold each other accountable and encourage one another in righteousness.(9, 10) Ten . . . uncle.--In some large house it might be that ten are left remaining, but even these are devoured by the pestilence which hovers in the track of war. Nine have fallen victims. Fathers and brothers are all gone, and the uncle comes in as the funereal burner, to carry out the corpse to the pyre, and finds in the innermost parts of the house the tenth victim of the fell disease yet alive. A hurried word or two passes between them: "Is there yet another with thee?" and the answer comes, "Not one." Then shall he say "Hush!" The lonely sufferer begins to curse the Lord for His judgments, or it may be he begins to call upon the Name of the Lord when it is too late, when, as a finishing touch of darkest gloom and despair, he is interrupted by a warning not to stir up Jehovah's wrath in this day of His visitation by even mentioning His name. This and one other passage (1Samuel 31:12) imply that under special circumstances the Hebrews burned their dead. In this case pestilence made cremation a necessity. The references in 2Chronicles 16:14; 2Chronicles 21:19; Jeremiah 34:5, are to honorific burning of spices in memory of the dead.

Verse 9. - If there remain ten men in one house. If these escape death in war, they shall die of famine and pestilence in the three years' siege of Samaria (2 Kings 17:5). If the prophet is still referring to the rich chieftains, ten would be only a poor remnant of the inhabitants of their palaces. The LXX. adds, very unnecesarily, Καὶ ὑπολειφθήσονται οἱ κατάλοιποι, "And those remaining shall be left behind."

Parallel Commentaries ...


And if
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

there are
וְהָיָ֗ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

ten
עֲשָׂרָ֧ה (‘ă·śā·rāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 6235: Ten

men
אֲנָשִׁ֛ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

left
יִוָּ֨תְר֜וּ (yiw·wā·ṯə·rū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3498: To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve

in one
אֶחָ֖ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

house,
בְּבַ֥יִת (bə·ḇa·yiṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

they too will die.
וָמֵֽתוּ׃ (wā·mê·ṯū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill


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OT Prophets: Amos 6:9 It will happen if there remain ten (Amo. Am)