Amos 1

This chapter denounces judgments against the nations bordering on Palestine, enemies to the Jews, viz., the Syrians, Amos 1:1-5 ; Philistines, Amos 1:6-8 ; Tyrians, Amos 1:9 , Amos 1:10 ; Edomites, Amos 1:11 , Amos 1:12 ; and Ammonites, Amos 1:13-15 . The same judgments were predicted by other prophets, and fulfilled, partly by the kings of Assyria, and partly by those of Babylon; though, like many other prophecies, they had their accomplishment by degrees, and at different periods. The prophecy against the Syrians, whose capital was Damascus, was fulfilled by Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria; see 2 Kings 16:9 . The prophecy against Gaza of the Philistines was accomplished by Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18:8 ; by Pharaoh, Jeremiah 47:1 ; and by Alexander the Great; see Quintius Curtius, lib. 4. c. 6. The prophecy against Ashdod was fulfilled by Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:6 ; and that against Ashkelon by Pharaoh, Jeremiah 47:5 . All Syria was also subdued by Pharaoh-necho; and again by Nebuchadnezzar, who also took Tyre, as did afterwards Alexander. Nebuchadnezzar also subdued the Edomites, Jeremiah 25:9 , Jeremiah 25:21 ; Jeremiah 27:3 , Jeremiah 27:6 . Judas Maccabeus routed the remains of them, 1 Maccabees 5:3; and Hyrcanus brought them under entire subjection. The Ammonites were likewise conquered by Nebuchadnezzar. The earthquake, which the prophet takes for his era, is perhaps referred to in Zechariah 14:5 , and also in Isaiah 5:25 . Josephus ascribes it to Uzziah's invasion of the priestly office; see 2 Chronicles 26:16 .