Amos, a prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, delivers God's message to the nations surrounding Israel, including Gaza. The expression "for three sins, even for four" is a Hebrew idiom used to indicate a full measure of sinfulness, suggesting that the sins of Gaza have reached a tipping point. Gaza's crime of capturing and selling entire communities to Edom reflects a deep violation of human dignity and divine justice. This act of human trafficking was not only a crime against the victims but also an affront to God, who values every human life.
The verse is part of a larger pattern in Amos where God addresses the sins of various nations, emphasizing His universal justice. It reminds us that God is attentive to the actions of all peoples, not just His chosen nation, Israel. The judgment pronounced is not arbitrary but a response to persistent wrongdoing. This passage encourages believers to reflect on the importance of justice, compassion, and the responsibility to stand against oppression in all its forms.
