Lexical Summary badal: piece Original Word: בָּדָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance piece From badal; a part -- piece. see HEBREW badal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom badal Definition a piece, severed piece NASB Translation piece (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [בָּדָל] noun [masculine] piece, severed piece, construct בְּדַלאֹֿזֶן Amos 3:12. Topical Lexicon Overview בָּדָל (Strong’s Hebrew 915) denotes a fragment or separated piece. Though it appears only once, its placement in Amos 3:12 turns a single word into a vivid image of judgment mingled with mercy—an image that ripples through biblical theology. Biblical Context: Amos 3:12 Amos, prophesying to the affluent Northern Kingdom, warns that impending judgment will leave Israel devastated. The shepherd illustration depicts what will survive after the lion’s attack: “As a shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion only two legs or a piece of an ear, so will the Israelites in Samaria be rescued—with only the corner of a bed or the cushion of a couch.” (Amos 3:12) Here בָּדָל highlights the meager remnant—“a piece of an ear.” The emphasis is not on the lion, but on how little is spared. The term therefore embodies both loss (virtually everything is destroyed) and hope (something, however small, is preserved). Theological Significance: Remnant Motif 1. Divine Judgment: Israel’s covenant breach (Amos 2:6-16) warrants devastation. בָּדָל underscores the thoroughness of God’s discipline; nothing substantial will remain. Historical Background Around 760–750 BC, Israel enjoyed prosperity yet practiced idolatry and social injustice. Assyria’s growing threat loomed. Amos’s prophecy, delivered in this context, foretold the 722 BC fall of Samaria. Archaeology confirms Assyrian policy of deportation and resettlement, leaving only scattered locals—the historical parallel to Amos’s “piece of an ear.” Ministry and Practical Application • Sobriety about Sin: בָּדָל warns that sin’s consequences may be severe, leaving only tatters of former strength (Hebrews 10:26-31). Related Concepts and Scriptural Links • Remnant—Isaiah 1:9; Zephaniah 3:12-13 Summary בָּדָל captures the paradox of Amos’s message: devastating loss paired with persevering grace. Though judgment may reduce God’s people to a mere “piece of an ear,” His redemptive purposes endure. The word stands as a solemn caution against complacency and a quiet assurance that, however small the remnant, the Lord remains faithful to His covenant and His people. Forms and Transliterations בְדַל־ בדל־ ḇə·ḏal- ḇəḏal- vedalLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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