Amos 1:4

But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall deuoure the palaces of Benhadad. Amos 1:4 (KJV)

“Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away his punishment; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever.” “Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he hath pursued his brother with the sword, and hath cast out his wrath forever.” Amos was one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. He was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa. The book of Amos primarily contains prophecies directed towards various nations, including Israel, Judah, and their neighboring nations. In this particular verse, the prophet Amos delivers a message from the Lord concerning Edom.

Context: Edom was the nation that descended from Esau, the twin brother of Jacob (Israel). Throughout the Old Testament, the relationship between Edom and Israel was marked by conflict and tension. In this passage, God addresses Edom’s transgressions, which have reached a tipping point, leading to His decision not to withhold punishment.

Three transgressions and four: The phrase “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four” is a poetic device used to emphasize the accumulation and severity of Edod’s sins. It indicates that Edom’s guilt has surpassed a threshold, calling for divine judgment.

Pursuing his brother with the sword: This phrase highlights one of Edom’s transgressions. Edom had engaged in violence against their brother nation, Israel. Historically, Edom had shown hostility towards Israel on multiple occasions, such as when they refused to let the Israelites pass through their territory during the Exodus (Numbers 20:14‑21).

Casting off all pity: Edom’s lack of compassion or mercy towards their brother nation is another transgression mentioned in this verse. Instead of showing kindness, they embraced a hardened heart, demonstrating an absence of empathy.

Cast out his wrath forever: The verse states that Edom “hath cast out his wrath forever,” indicating a continual state of hostile anger toward Israel rather than a momentary outburst.

Perpetual anger and lasting wrath: This verse emphasizes that Edom’s anger was unrelenting and enduring. They harbored a deep‑seated grudge against Israel and had not let go of their wrath, even over an extended period.

Overall, this verse portrays God’s judgment against Edom for their persistent hostility, lack of mercy, and perpetual anger towards their brother nation, Israel. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation, as well as the consequences that follow when these virtues are disregarded.