What actions led to God's wrath upon Tyre in Amos 1:10? Text of Amos 1:9–10 “This is what the LORD says: ‘For three transgressions of Tyre, even four, I will not relent, because she delivered up a whole community of captives to Edom and failed to remember a covenant of brotherhood. So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre to consume its fortresses.’” Key Actions That Provoked God’s Wrath • Human-trafficking an entire population—handing “a whole community of captives” over to Edom. • Breaking a sacred “covenant of brotherhood,” betraying an alliance of mutual protection and peace. Why These Actions Were So Offensive • They violated God’s explicit law protecting the vulnerable (Exodus 22:22; Deuteronomy 24:7). • They treated people made in God’s image as merchandise (Joel 3:4-6). • They shattered covenant faithfulness, a quality God prizes (Psalm 15:4). • They enabled Edom’s violence and perpetual hatred (Obadiah 10-14), compounding guilt. Subsequent Judgment Announced • “Fire upon the walls” signals literal military assault and complete destruction (fulfilled in part by Nebuchadnezzar—Ezk 26:7-14—and later by Alexander the Great). • Fortified pride would not shield Tyre from God’s consuming justice. Related Scriptures That Echo Tyre’s Sin • Joel 3:4-8 – Condemnation for selling Judah’s children. • Ezekiel 26–28 – Oracles against Tyre’s greed and arrogance. • Psalm 83:7 – Tyre joins enemies conspiring against Israel. • Isaiah 23 – Prophecy of Tyre’s downfall and eventual humbling. Application for Today • God records every act of injustice; no nation or person escapes accountability. • Covenant loyalty matters—betrayal for profit invites judgment. • Exploiting the powerless still draws divine anger; the Lord champions the oppressed (Psalm 72:4). • Believers are called to walk in faithful mercy and justice (Micah 6:8; James 1:27), reflecting the unchanging character of God who literally acted in history against Tyre’s sins. |