Why did God punish Tyre in Amos 1:10?
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.

How does Amos 1:10 demonstrate God's judgment against nations opposing His people?
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