Amos 6:8

“The Lord God hath sworn by himself, etc.] Because he could swear by no greater, (<580613>Hebrews 6:13); which shows the importance and certainty of the thing sworn to, and is as follows: saith the Lord, the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob; or, “the pride of Jacob”f171; of Israel, of the ten tribes, remarkable for their pride; hence called the crown of pride, (<232803>Isaiah 28:3); it may include all that was glorious, valuable, and excellent among them, of which they were proud; their kingdom, riches, wealth, and strength, their fortified cities and towns: if Judah is comprehended in this, it may regard the temple, which was their excellency, and in which they gloried. So the…”

“the excellency of Jacob-- (Psa 47:4). The sanctuary which was the great glory of the covenant-people [VATABLUS], (Eze 24:21). The priesthood, and kingdom, and dignity, conferred on them by God. These, saith God, are of no account in My eyes towards averting punishment [CALVIN]. hate his palaces--as being the storehouses of "robbery" (Amo 3:10, Amo 3:15). How sad a change from God's love of Zion's gates (Psa 87:2) and palaces (Psa 48:3, Psa 48:13), owing to the people's sin! the city--collectively: both Zion and Samaria (Amo 6:1). all that is therein--literally, "its fulness"; the multitude of men and of riches in it (compare Psa 24:1).”

“The Lord God - He who alone is and who alone hath power, “hath sworn by Himself,” literally, “by His soul;” as our “self” comes from the same root as “soul.” Jerome: “So God saith in Isaiah, “Your new moons and your appointed feasts My soul hateth” Isaiah 1:14; not that God hath a soul, but that He speaks after the way of human feelings. Nor is it any marvel that He condescends to speak of Himself, as having a soul, seeing He speaks of Himself as having the other members, feet, hands, bowels, which are less precious than the soul. In God the Father, the head, hands, and the rest are not members, but by these words a diversity of powers is expressed. So also by the soul is intended not a…”

“The excellency - All that the seed of Jacob accounts a glory and excellency to them, all their external privileges and worship. Amos 6:9”

“6:8 The most solemn oath the Lord could pronounce was by his own name (see also Gen 22:16; Jer 51:14; cp. Amos 4:2; Ps 110:4; Heb 6:13-14). • arrogance of Israel (literally pride of Jacob; see study note on Amos 8:7): Jacob can mean cheat (Gen 27:36), whereas Israel means he struggles with God (Gen 32:28). Amos uses Jacob to express the obstinate arrogance that so often characterized the people of Israel.”

“sworn: Amo 4:2; Jer 51:14; Heb 6:13-17 I abhor: Lev 26:11; Psa 78:59, Psa 106:40; Zac 11:8 the excellency: Amo 8:7; Psa 47:4; Eze 24:21 and hate: Amo 3:11; Lam 2:5 therefore: Mic 1:6-9 all that is therein: Heb. the fulness thereof, Psa 50:12 Amos 6:9”

“This threat is carried out still further in Amo 6:8-11. Amo 6:8. "The Lord Jehovah hath sworn by Himself, is the saying of Jehovah, the God of hosts: I abhor the pride of Jacob, and his palaces I hate; and give up the city, and the fulness thereof. Amo 6:9. And it will come to pass, if then men are left in a house, they shall die. Amo 6:10. And when his cousin lifts him up, and he that burieth him, to carry out the bones out of the house, and saith to the one in the hindermost corner of the house, Is there still any one with thee? and he says, Not one; then will he say, Hush; for the name of Jehovah is not to be invoked. Amo 6:11. For, behold, Jehovah commandeth, and men smite the great…”