Morning Message: The Long and Short Of It

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "The Long and Short of It"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

There is a "short view," and there is a "long view," for any topic. There’s a Longview Terrace in Rochester, and no doubt, streets named similarly in cities around the world. There’s a Long View neighborhood in West Jamestown, NY. From “Lucille Ball Park,” one has a commanding view to the northwest of the entire length of Chautauqua Lake, home to The Chautauqua Institute. (The Park was named after Jamestown’s hometown girl, 1950’s TV star Lucille Ball who grew up in that City.) The Lake is about 17 miles long, and 2 miles wide, at its widest point. Except for its location in the far southwestern part of New York State, it might otherwise be another of The Finger Lakes, near our location.

Without that long vantage point, our lakes might seem like large ponds. But think about a vantage point from the air. One might see Chautauqua Lake and all the Finger Lakes too, all at once, an overall distance of some 200 miles!

But now, think also of God’s vantage point from His lofty Throne in Heaven. He sees everything in His Creation, including the several layers of “heavens” in the universe.

This is the view God gave to Amos in Chapter 9: The "Long View" of God’s plan for all His creation. We poor humans are left in want if we focus only on the short view of our immediate circumstances! His "Long View" is not measured in miles, but in time.

The short view is what the United Nations, and the leaders of the World’s Nations make plans for, believing they can override God’s plans for His people, and also for those that are not His. Their view is a "one-world" system, a new Tower of Babel, and for their unbelief, they will always miss the mark.

The Bible is clear though: God is in control, not man; it is at the core of all Bible Prophecy. Only God’s Word gives us the "Long View." That is what Believers are to focus upon during our short lives, trusting in Him for all things.

Leviticus 22:23 -

“…a bull or a lamb that has any limb too long or too short you may offer as a freewill offering, but for a vow it shall not be accepted.”

Bobservations' Column - Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Amos 9:1-15 - "The Long and Short Of It"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Amos 9 stands as a potent reminder of the duality of God's character—both as a righteous judge and a merciful restorer. Though His judgment is harsh and inescapable, His mercy and grace abound, promising restoration and blessings for His people. It encourages believers to live righteously, aware of the consequences of sin but also hopeful in God's endless capacity for forgiveness and restoration.

Amos describes a vision of God standing beside the altar, signaling the beginning of His judgment. No matter where the Israelites flee—whether to the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven, to the bottom of the sea or into captivity—God's hand will reach them, and His judgment is unavoidable.

Amos emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who touches the earth and it melts, who builds His upper chambers in the heavens and sets the vaulted dome over the earth. This section reinforces the omnipotence and omnipresence of God.

God compares Israel to the Cushites, reminding them that they are not privileged above others. Yet, He promises to sift the house of Israel among all the nations without losing a single good grain. This speaks to God's precision in judgment, ensuring the righteous are not swept away with the wicked.

In these verses, God promises to restore the fallen house of David and rebuild it. He speaks of a future where His people will plant vineyards, enjoy their fruit, and never again be uprooted from their land. This beautiful image of restoration underscores God's mercy and grace, even after His people's disobedience.

Amos 9, the final chapter of the book of Amos, presents a powerful conclusion to the prophet's messages. Initially, it presents a grim image of God's impending judgment on Israel due to their sins, emphasizing God's inescapable justice. Yet, the chapter concludes on a hopeful note, promising restoration and blessings for God's people.

Like the children of Israel in Amos’ day, most of God’s people are not walking in God’s ways today. They are religious, and often participate in a worship service, but their hearts are far from Him.

Just as God was grieved by the evil he saw in the people of Israel in Amos’ day; He must be even more grieved at the wickedness He sees in His people today.

Do we not have a more-sure knowledge of God.  Have we not witnessed the full and final revelation of God in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.  Have we not received the eternal blessings of God’s plan of redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Just as Amos pleaded with God’s people in His day, we are pleading with God’s people today. Turn your eyes away from the things of the world, even the religious things, and look upon Jesus who gave His life for our sins and who is soon going to call us home to live with Him forever. In 1 Corinthians 10:11, the Apostle Paul wrote, “These things happened unto them for examples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

The Altar (9:1) - This is the altar in Bethel, the principal place of idol worship in Israel (cf. 1 Kings 12:25-33).  The fifth vision opens with the Lord standing upon the altar, commanding that this temple be torn down, thus falling upon the worshipers.  He would spare none (cf. 5:2; 8:14).  God makes it very clear that those who engage in any form of idolatry will have no part in His kingdom (1Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:20-21; Revelation 22:15).

Carmel (9:3) - A mountainous region, rising 1,800 feet above the Mediterranean Sea, known for its many caves and forests.  This is one of the highest mountains in the land of Israel.

My Eyes (9:4) - This is a figure of speech in reference to God's omniscience. Omniscience is defined as “the state of having total knowledge, the quality of knowing everything.” For God to be sovereign over His creation of all things, whether visible or invisible, He has to be all-knowing. His omniscience is not restricted to any one person in the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all by nature omniscient.

It Is He . . . Poureth Them Out (9:5-9) - Lest people question the Lord's power, they are reminded of His omnipotence revealed in creation and in His sovereign rulership of the nations.  Other nations have been transplanted from their homelands; why not Israel?

The Flood of Egypt (9:5) - This refers to the Nile River in Egypt, which annually provided water and rich soil deposits.  In judgment, the river would overflow the land of Israel for the unrighteous arrogance of the nation.

Caphtor...Kir (9:7) - Caphtor is the island of Crete, and Kir is apparently the original home of the Syrians.  It was a region to which they were later exiled (2 Kings 16:9).  Its exact location is unknown. 

Not Utterly Destroy (9:8) - Most of the Israelites were slain in the terrible Assyrian invasion and deportation, yet God has repeatedly promised to spare a remnant.

Sift . . . Among All Nations (9:9) - Only the chaff was to be punished; God's remnant was to be preserved to inherit the blessings spoken of in the following verses.

Tabernacle of David (9:11) - A reference to the dynasty of David.  The promises of God in the Davidic covenant are alluded to here.  God will "raise up" and "rebuild" this tabernacle on earth for Christ to rule in His millennial kingdom (cf. Zechariah 14:9-11).  The apostles used this passage to illustrate that Gentiles could thus be a part of God's redemption. This great prophecy of the ultimate restoration of the Davidic kingdom was still future when Peter and James quoted this verse (Acts 15:14-18).  It will be fulfilled at the second coming of Christ, the promised Messiah of Israel, who will Himself assume the throne of David (Luke 1:31_33).

Out Of Their Land (9:15) - This promise applies, not to the return from Babylon, but to the final restoration from exile, when they will never again "be pulled up out of their land."  The ultimate fulfillment of God's land promise to Abram (cf. Genesis 12:7; 15:7; 17:8) will occur during Christ's millennial reign on earth (cf. Joel 2:26, 27).

Prophecy Concerning the Ultimate Restoration of Israel:

1. Isaiah 27; 42-44; 65; 66
2. Jeremiah 30-33
3. Ezekiel 36;38; 48-48
4. Daniel 9:20-27; 12:1-3
5. Hosea 2:14-23; 14:4-7
6. Joel 3:18-21
7. Amos 9:11-15
8. Obadiah 1:17, 21
9. Micah 7:14-20
10. Zephaniah 3:14-20
11. Haggai 2:20-23
12. Zechariah 13; 14
13. Malachi 4:1-3

Morning Message: God's Case Against Israel

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "God's Case Against Israel"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

God’s Word to Amos comes as a lightning bolt. Israel was not prepared for it. It came suddenly and without warning. However, Amos’ previous 7 chapters should have been enough warning. They should have known that there would soon come a change in the weather.

The fruit of summer is ripe, sweet, full of flavor, and refreshing for all its nutritional value. Israel had enjoyed it for many years. God’s design for agriculture is that seeds be planted, gardens be tended, and God for the rain.

The work can be hard, but it’s good for us, and the fruit of our labors is its own reward. Israel had enjoyed the benefit of God’s design year, after year. When Israel followed the Law and its ordinances, the benefits of it were their own reward. The Jews were called to be obedient to all the Law, to be recipients of God’s grace and provision. The lives of the Jews were about to change drastically. Not only had they chosen to not let the land rest every seven years, but they chose to ignore the ordinances regarding God and where they were to worship Him. Practices of idolatry were common-place, as well as fair and ethical business practices. They had forgotten God, and so God tells them He will not forget what they have done. They had ignored most all of the Law, so all God’s benevolence will depart from them.

They were to be taken away from their homeland, the land God had reserved FOR them. In hindsight, we know that His grace and mercy prevailed, and they would be returned to the land after 70 years. But that’s more than one generation, so many of the Israelites would die in a strange land.

~ Deuteronomy 18:15 ~

“The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;”

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Amos 8:1-14 - "God's Case Against Israel"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

In chapter 8 of the book of Amos, the prophecy continues against Israel.

They say a picture paints a thousand words. In the first couple of verses of chapter 8, the vision given to Amos portrays what God sees in His people, Israel. While Israel viewed themselves as fruitful and blessed by God, God sees the rottenness their hearts. God's people had become a nation filled with sinful pride.

What can be more susceptible to rot and disease than ripened fruit? There is a short window of time for the beautiful and refreshing sweetness of ripe fruit to be tasted. But after that window, there is no escaping the swift decay. The analogy used here not only illustrates the end result for Israel but also represents the swiftness with which it will occur.

God will strip away everything in order to get their attention. Though they will face His judgment, repentance will come, and they will remember their God and His Word, and what truly matters in their lives. Since they no longer had an appetite for God's Word and His ways, the Lord will allow their enemies to take them captive. In their tribulation, they would seek for the Word of God, but not find it. They disregarded God's law, they mixed idolatry with their worship and they refused to heed the prophets send by God. God's Word would no longer be available to them. They would search the land for it, and not find it.

This is the great problem of mankind. God has given us His Word, and mankind rejects it.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Basket of Summer Fruit (8:1) - In this fourth vision, as fruit was fully ripened by the summer's sun so Israel was ripe for judgment.   This vision symbolizes the imminent end of Israel's production of spiritual fruit. 

New Moon (8:5) - Based on a lunar calendar, Israel would celebrate the day with a festival.  Like the Sabbath, no work was to be done on this day (1 Samuel 20:5-6; 2 Kings 4:23; Ezekiel 46:3).  The merchants' eagerness for the day to end revealed their appetite for greed.

Ephah  Small. . . Shekel Large (8:5) - By dishonest weighing, the merchant decreased the actual amount received and inflated the apparent cost of the mis-weighed merchandise.  

Bad Wheat (8:6) - This denotes the chaff, which was mixed into the good wheat to cheat the buyer.

Pride of Jacob (8:7) - As surely as the nation was filled with sinful pride (cf. Hosea 5:5; 7:10), so the Lord, who should have been "the Pride of Jacob" (Micah 5:4), would not forget her heinous works (cf. 6:8).  This is a play on words in which the Hebrew word for the worst of human pride is the same for the greatest of God's majesty.  What God detests in Israel (6:8), He will swear by in Himself. 

Cast Out and Drowned...by the Flood of Egypt (8:8) - Like the Nile River, which annually provided water and rich soil deposits for farmers by greatly overflowing its banks, so judgment would overflow the land of Israel for the unrighteous arrogance of the nation.

The Sun Go Down At Noon (8:9) - This probably brings to mind the total eclipse of the sun c. 763 B.C. as a picture of God's coming judgment.  The darkness will symbolize their mourning and actually increase it.

Sackcloth (8:10) - This detailed picture of a mourning nations is similar to the residents of Babylon mourning her ultimate demise (Revelation 18:9-19)

Hearing the Words (8:11) - During prosperity, the nation rejected the prophets (cf. 7:10-17); in captivity no word from the Lord could be found (cf. 1 Samuel 28:6).  What they once had in abundance and had rejected, they now desperately wanted but could not find, no matter how far they searched.   It is an amazing fact that, in the land where God's Word was revealed, and where His living Word became incarnate, there ensued a famine of scriptural teaching form almost 2,000 years - a famine only slightly relieved even to this day.

Samaria . . . Dan (8:14) - Jeroboam I (931-910 B.C.) had built altars at both locations in an effort to keep Israel from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:26-29).

Beersheba (814) - Located in southern Judah, fifty miles southwest of Jerusalem, Beersheba had a rich Israelite history (cf. Genesis 21:33; 26: 23; 1 Samuel 8:1-3; 1 Kings 19:3-7). Their idolatrous practices will be eliminated permanently (cf. 5:2).

Morning Message: The Lord God Will Do Nothing

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Lord God Will Do Nothing"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The Prophet Ahijah appeared suddenly from Shilo with a message from God for King Jeroboam about 985 BC, 200 years prior to today’s passage in Amos 7, But in Amos 3:7, it says, “Surely the Lord will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.” The prophecy of which we speak in Amos 7, is found in our reading this morning, of 1 Kings 11.

Like the title of today’s message, a quote without context can be manipulated to mean anything at all.

But in this case, the 1 Kings passage gives us understanding about the division between the northern and southern Tribes of Israel. “Surely, the Lord will do nothing” is a misleading lie. If there is one thing that Believers know about the Lord, we know He is always up to something, and it’s always to our ultimate benefit. He never does nothing.

If we utilize our Reference and Study Bibles to their fullest extent, we learn of the depth of God’s Word and gain insight into His mind, His heart, and to His intent. Learning more about our God helps to give our own lives context and deepens our faith.

Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know Him, and the power of His Resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”

We can easily be focused on leaning on His promises, and that’s a good thing, but the promises themselves point to heaven, and how we attain it, might not be to our plan, but to His plan.

- Matthew 16:24 / Luke 9:23 / Mark 8:34 -

“…If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Amos 7:1-17 - "The Lord God Will Do Nothing"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

There is a dramatic shift in the closing chapters of Amos’ prophecy. The final three chapters unveil five visions of judgment. Amos 7 contains the first three visions. The visions begin in verse 1 with the words, “This is what the Lord God showed me.”

Amos 7 is a reminder that while God's justice is real, so is His mercy. Intercession can change the course of events, even amid harsh predictions. However, justice cannot always be averted, especially when corruption persists. Despite opposition, we are called to stand firm in our faith and courageously proclaim God's truth.

God shows Amos a vision of locusts devouring Israel's crops. Recognizing the catastrophic aftermath, Amos pleads with God to spare Israel. God hears Amos and relents.

Amos experiences another vision where God sends a consuming fire to destroy Israel. Again, Amos intercedes, pleading for mercy, and again, God relents.

In the third vision, God presents a plumb line, signifying impending judgment, not to be averted this time. The high places of Isaac will be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste.

Amaziah, a priest of Bethel, reports Amos to king Jeroboam, accusing him of conspiracy. He then confronts Amos, advising him to flee to Judah to prophesy there and not to prophesy in Bethel anymore.

Amos responds to Amaziah by emphasizing his divine calling and delivers a severe prophecy against him, his family, and Israel.

Amos 7 delves into the prophetic visions of divine judgment given to the shepherd-turned-prophet, Amos. His messages are not only direct but confrontational, inciting resistance from powerful religious figures. Yet, amid impending doom, Amos intercedes for his people, showcasing the profound courage and compassion within him.

Sunday Morning Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Grasshopper (7:1) - The first vision, symbolizing God's action, pictured a swarm of locusts devouring the people's portion of the later cuttings, after the king had taken the first cutting (cf. Joel 1:2-12).

I Said (7:2) - Here we see Amos interceding on behalf of Israel.  Amos, so moved by seeing the potential devastation to Israel, interceded on their behalf, much like Moses had done in the book of Exodus.

The LORD Repented (7:3) - Here is a beautiful example of God's mercy.  Much like He did at Abraham's pleading of Sodom in Genesis 18:22, 23, The LORD heard the prayer of Amos and changed His mind about the punishment. We know that God is in control of all things, but our decisions and actions actually matter to Him. 

Fire (7:4) - The image of fire often represents God's instrument of judgment.  Under the figure of fire, the second vision concerns a devastating drought, causing the underground water supplies to dry up and the fields to be consumed (cf. Deuteronomy 32:22).  Amos again mercifully pleads with the LORD for Israel.

Plumbline (7:7) - In a third vision, soon to be implemented, God showed Amos a high, straight wall, straight as a plumb line, which would separate God from His people, leaving them completely vulnerable to the invading Assyrians who would soon be coming.  Here the true spiritual nature of Israel was tested and found wanting. by God's plumb line of righteousness.  

Priest of Bethel (7:10) - The words of Amos cut deep into the heart of Israel's leadership, causing them to accuse him of conspiracy against the king (cf. Jeremiah 26:11; 37:11-13; 38:1-6).  Jeroboam I had set up an order of priests at his schismatic altar at Bethel (1 Kings 12:31-32), and Amaziah was one of the false priests in this line.  Seeing his prestige and position being undermined by Amos, he petitioned the king to have Amos silenced, while also urging Amos to leave the country.  False teachers always use their political power to hinder true teachers of God's Word!

Bethel (7:10) - The principal place of idol worship in Israel (cf. 1 Kings 12:25-33).

Thus Saith Amos (7:11) - Amos did not say this.  This most likely refers to verse 9.  Amaziah understood the Lord's message through Amos, but rejected it.

Go . . . Flee (7:12) - Amos was told to go home. Amaziah tries to frighten Amos into leaving Israel and going to Judah to prophesy.

No Prophet . . . Word of the Lord (7:14-16) - Amos declares that he was a farmer by occupation, but that God had spoken through him and Israel desperately needed to listen.

Led Away Captive (7:17) - Concerns the nation Israel as a whole: Israel will certainly go from its land into exile. This statement is intensive in Hebrew and expresses the certainty of Israel's captivity. It would surely happen because the people of God had sinned grievously against the LORD.  Assyria conquered Israel and took it into captivity in 722 BC.

Morning Message: Aloof and At Ease

Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Aloof and at Ease"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrnez

Anyone serving in the military, or who has seen a movie about military life, is familiar with the phrase “At Ease” when standing in a platoon or a troop. A sergeant lets his troops come off standing “At Attention,” and lets his men relax a bit. But relaxing completely isn’t the idea of such a command, the soldiers still give the sergeant their full attention. They are still standing before him in formation. If their attention was no longer required, the command would be “Fall Out!” To be “At Ease” meant more information was forthcoming.

Ancient Israel’s walled villages and cities were walled for a reason: their enemies were all around them. The Watchers on the Walls would sound the alarm if any would approach the town with an unknown or suspicious agenda.

Today we learn of those that lived in Zion, living “at ease.” But from a Biblical perspective, they might as well have “fallen out.” They were not living circumspectly, but for their own personal pleasures. The walls were either not watched, or the alarms went unheeded. The residents were oblivious to their neighbors, even though God called them to be separate from the heathen which surrounded Israel. Zion was ripe for an invasion from a foreign power.

Safety requires a watchful leadership, knowing human nature, that many still see the grass as being greener on the other side of the fence. And the modern-day statement that “Good fences make good neighbors,” makes perfect sense. Mutual respect for the property of your neighbor leads to peaceful coexistence. But it is never a good time to release the Watchmen from their daily duties.

Exodus 21:14 - 

“If a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile; thou shalt take him from mine altar, that he may die.”

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Amos 6:1-14 - "Aloof and At Ease"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Amos 6 is a somber reminder that complacency, pride, and indifference towards the suffering of others are not traits of God's faithful people. As believers, we are called to live humbly, seek justice, and maintain a compassionate heart, keeping our focus on God and not on materialistic pleasures or self-glorification.

These verses call out those who are at ease in Zion and secure on Mount Samaria. These are the notable men of the foremost nations who live in luxury and idleness, but their complacency leads them to ignore the day of calamity.

The opulent lives of the rich indulging themselves with such luxuries: beds of ivory, sprawling on their couches, dining on choice lambs and fattened calves, singing idle songs, drinking wine by the bowlful, and anointing themselves with the finest oils. Yet, they do not grieve over the ruin of their country.

God declares that these people will be the first to go into exile. Their banquets and lounging will be brought to an end. They'll be left desolate, even afraid to mention the Lord's name.

The Lord affirms His judgment on the great houses and small houses alike, leaving them in ruins. God reiterates the futility of their indulgences and false sense of security, pointing out that He's the one who will bring about their fall.

Amos 6 expands the theme presented thus far in this book. As I read through this passage, I thought of Jesus' words, “To whom much has been given much will be required” (Luke 12:48).

As we read this chapter, we are reminded of another “revelation of Jesus” in His message to the church represented by Laodicea (Revelation 3:14ff). These individuals are in total blindness to their condition . . . "you think you are rich… but you are poor and wretched and miserable and blind and naked."

As we study this chapter, we need to remember to apply the lessons to our own lives.  Do we live lives of luxury while those around us may not even have the bare necessities of life? Are we complacent and feeling secure in our good fortune, but neglecting those who are struggling? Israel's sins are many:  injustice, avarice, oppression, immorality, profanity, blasphemy, and sacrilege.  Are we guilty of the same?

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

At Ease In Zion (6:1) - Zion (Jerusalem) was the capital of Judah, and Samaria the capital of Israel, so Amos' proclamation applied to both nations.  Both peoples had grievously sinned against God, yet they were living in decadent luxury and trusting in their idolatrous leaders to maintain such lifestyles for them.  The parallel to western Christendom today is frighteningly obvious.  Woe to those in luxurious pagan ease, when they should be getting right with God, the prophet would say to us as well.

Put Far Away the Evil Day (6:3) - To put off something, to push it away, to delay, or to reject it. Here it meant that the leading citizens of Israel and Judah rejected the day of calamity, that is, the day when God would intervene to judge them (Amos 5:18). For them, the day of calamity was reserved only for the pagan peoples, those who did not have a covenant relationship with the LORD.

Instruments of Music (6:5) - The pagan-like culture of Israel was addicted to sensuous music and "wine in bowls," but they were "Not grieved for the affliction" of their country (6:6).  The parallel to modern America is obvious.

Drink Wine From Bowls (6:6) - These large bowls, usually used for sacrificial purposes, here typify the excesses of their lifestyle.

Sworn By Himself (6:8) - See also 8:7; Genesis 22:16; Isaiah 45:23; Jeremiah 49:13; 51:4; Hebrews 6:13, 14.  They had become something that God did not like. He did not bless them for them to oppress others. He intended for all of His people to be blessed, not just those in power. God swears by Himself, because there is no greater to swear by. This punishment will come upon them, because God has spoken it. God will break the arrogant attitude of Israel. They have put their confidence in things rather than in God.

He That Burneth Him (6:10) - This could refer to cremation, demanded by the excessive number killed and the fear of epidemics.  With rare exceptions (cf. 1 Samuel 31:12), corpses were buried in ancient Israel.

Not Make Mention . . . the LORD (6:10) - Previously welcomed as a friend, the Lord came in judgment as a foe; survivors would not want to invoke His name out of fear.

Plow There With Oxen (6:12) - Israel's exercise of justice was absurd as running horses on rocks or plowing rocks with oxen.  So, the answer to these rhetorical questions in this verse is, "Of course not!"  But just as absurd was the destructive lifestyle of Israel's people.

Rejoice In A Thing of Nought (6:13) - Israel’s “great” gain will amount to nothing.

Horns By Your Own Strength (6:13) - Israel foolishly believed they had conquered in their own strength. They had rejoiced in the unimportant things of this world. They were not depending on God's strength but upon their own strength (horns). They could not depend upon themselves.

Raise Up Against You A Nation (6:14) - The Assyrian Nation in 722 B.C. under its king, Shalmaneser; who invaded Israel, came up to Samaria, and after a three years' siege took it, and carried Israel captive into foreign lands (2 Kings 17:5).

Afflict You From Enterning In From He-math (6:14) - A city of Syria bordering on the land of Israel north-east and was an inlet into Syria from the north of Canaan. These represent the northern and southern perimeters of Israel as reestablished by Jeroboam II (cf. 2 Kings 14:25).