Amos 2:9

Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below.

Study Bible

Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them
The phrase "Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them" refers to God's intervention on behalf of the Israelites. The Amorites were a formidable people, known for their strength and stature. The Hebrew root for "destroyed" is "שָׁמַד" (shamad), which conveys a sense of complete annihilation. This highlights God's sovereign power and His ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles for His chosen people. Historically, the Amorites were a dominant force in Canaan, and their defeat was a testament to God's promise and faithfulness to Israel.

though his height was like the cedars
The comparison "though his height was like the cedars" uses the imagery of the cedar tree, known for its impressive height and strength, to describe the Amorites. Cedars, particularly those from Lebanon, were renowned in the ancient Near East for their grandeur and durability. This metaphor emphasizes the formidable nature of the Amorites, making their defeat by God even more remarkable. It serves as a reminder of God's supremacy over all earthly powers, no matter how imposing they may appear.

and his strength like the oaks
The phrase "and his strength like the oaks" further illustrates the might of the Amorites by comparing them to oak trees, which are symbols of endurance and resilience. The Hebrew word for "strength" here is "חָזַק" (chazaq), indicating a robust and powerful force. This imagery reinforces the idea that the Amorites were a significant threat, yet God was able to overcome them effortlessly. It underscores the theme of divine intervention and protection throughout the biblical narrative.

I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below
In "I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below," the complete destruction of the Amorites is depicted. The "fruit above" and "roots below" symbolize the totality of their annihilation, from their visible achievements and influence to their foundational strength and future potential. This comprehensive destruction signifies God's thorough judgment and serves as a warning to those who oppose His will. The imagery of fruit and roots also reflects the biblical principle that God can uproot and dismantle any power structure that stands against His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver messages to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies often focused on social justice and divine judgment.

2. Amorites
A powerful and formidable group of people in the ancient Near East, known for their strength and stature. They were one of the nations that the Israelites encountered and defeated during their conquest of Canaan.

3. Canaan
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was inhabited by various groups, including the Amorites, before the Israelites took possession of it.

4. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob (Israel), chosen by God to be His people. They were delivered from slavery in Egypt and led into the Promised Land.

5. God's Deliverance
The event of God intervening on behalf of the Israelites to defeat their enemies, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Power
God is sovereign over all nations and peoples. His power is unmatched, as demonstrated by His ability to defeat the mighty Amorites.

Faithfulness to His Promises
God is faithful to His covenant promises. Just as He delivered the Amorites into the hands of the Israelites, He will fulfill His promises to us today.

Dependence on God
The Israelites' victory over the Amorites was not due to their own strength but because of God's intervention. We, too, must rely on God for victory in our lives.

Judgment and Justice
God's destruction of the Amorites serves as a reminder of His justice. He will not tolerate sin and rebellion indefinitely.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as God destroyed the "fruit above and roots below" of the Amorites, He can help us overcome sin and spiritual strongholds in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the Amorites' strength and stature in Amos 2:9 highlight the power of God in delivering His people?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in our own lives, similar to His deliverance of the Israelites from the Amorites?

3. How can we apply the lesson of dependence on God for victory in our personal battles and challenges today?

4. What does the destruction of the Amorites teach us about God's justice and His response to sin and rebellion?

5. How can the concept of God destroying the "fruit above and roots below" be applied to overcoming spiritual strongholds in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 9:1-3
This passage describes God's promise to go before the Israelites and defeat nations greater and mightier than they, including the Amorites, emphasizing His role in their victories.

Joshua 24:8-12
Joshua recounts how God delivered the Amorites into the hands of the Israelites, highlighting God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Psalm 136:17-22
This psalm praises God for His enduring love and recounts His victories over mighty kings, including the Amorites, as part of His provision for Israel.