notes on 2:14-16

Seven similar statements underline the incapacity that will fall upon the elite of Israel's fighting forces, and most of the seven focus on their inability to run away!

Form

The section is structured with two tristichs (vv.14-15) and a closing member (v.16). All but the last member of the tristichs have three word units, and all but the first are negative.

The closing (v.16) whilst retaining the same meaning has a totally different form, with 3 and 2 word units followed by the formulaic expression "in that day".

Language and Imagery

These verses are full of military words.

gibbor (hero) is a general term
chazaq (strong) is often used of Adonai's strength, but also frequently has military connotations
archers were skilled and strong men (needing powerful arms to draw bows which were constructed of laminated wood and bone to give maximum force. Their arrows were effective at over 300m range
horsemen were an elite and professional corps among the Israelites who had few if any horses outside the royal troops

Assyrian soldiers (drawing of plaque in British Museum)

These verses follow from v.13. Such fearsome troops will fail - even fail to flee - because Adonai the true source of their strength and success is like a cart overloaded with straw, whose support will fail - see above.

This page is part of the Hypertext Bible Commentary - Amos , if you have reached it as a standalone page, to view it in context, go to www.bible.gen.nz