Gaza (Philistia)

Gaza refers to Philistia. A message of judgment is also proclaimed against Philistia (1) Philistia sold Jews as slaves to Edom (the sin of Edom had already been denounced by the prophet Obadiah, who ministered before Amos). Because of that sin, Philistia will be judged. (2) The wall of Gaza and its palaces will be burned with fire. That is, the city-state of Gaza will be destroyed. (3) In addition to Gaza, the three cities of Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Ekron are named. All of these city-states will be destroyed. (4) Philistia had five major city-states, but Gath is not mentioned here. The reason is that Gath had already been destroyed (ref. 2 Chron. 26:6).

Tyre (Phoenicia)

Tyre refers to Phoenicia. Phoenicia also comes under judgment. At that time, Tyre was one of the major ports of the Mediterranean world and had become a center of trade. (1) Phoenicia likewise handed over Jews as slaves to Edom. Tyre is thought to have been a center of the slave trade (ref. Ezek. 27:13). (2) The sin of Phoenicia was greater than that of Philistia, because there was a “covenant of brotherhood” between Israel and Phoenicia. This refers to a “brotherly covenant.” David entered into such a covenant with Phoenicia in 2 Samuel 5:11, and Solomon did likewise in 1 Kings 5:1-18. (3) On the basis of this covenant, Israel never once attacked Phoenicia. However, Phoenicia ignored this covenant and sold Jews into slavery. This was a clear violation of the covenant. Therefore, the sin of Phoenicia was more grievous than that of Edom. The wall of Tyre and its palaces will be burned with fire. Amos conveys the Lord’s severe words, “I will not revoke its punishment.” The God of the Bible places the utmost importance on “covenant relationships.” To become a Christian is to enter into a covenant relationship with God. God’s covenant never changes eternally. Are you walking faithfully in that covenant?