For thus says the Lord GOD: “The city that went out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went out a hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This isn't just about military defeat; it's a stark picture of a nation decimated, where even the largest cities, once able to send out a thousand warriors, will be reduced to a mere hundred, and smaller ones to just ten. This dramatic tenfold reduction highlights the catastrophic loss of life and the profound weakness that will befall Israel, leaving them unable to recover their former strength.
For thus says the Lord GOD: “The city that went out a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went out a hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Amos has just delivered a lament over Israel's impending doom, and now God himself speaks to explain why rescue is impossible. He declares that even the most populous cities will be so devastated that they'll lose nine-tenths of their people, reduced to a mere tenth of their former strength. This drastic decimation, affecting both large and small cities, highlights the utter hopelessness of Israel's situation and serves as a harsh justification for the lament.
Imagine a city that once proudly sent out a thousand soldiers for battle. Now, only a hundred remain. This isn't just a military loss; it's a picture of total devastation.
A Grim Calculation
Amos 5:3 paints a stark picture of judgment. The Lord God declares that cities, whether large or small, will be drastically reduced.
This isn't just prophecy; it's a devastating reality that would soon fall upon the house of Israel.
Even in utter devastation, where do we find a glimmer of hope? This verse points to a surprising, yet consistent, biblical theme: a reserved remnant.
More Than Just Survival
While the numbers are devastating, the repeated phrase 'shall leave ten' or 'shall have a hundred' highlights a crucial theological point: God preserves a remnant.
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Understand the original words
ʾăḏōnāy yahweh · Hebrew Noun phrase
The title for the Sovereign Lord (Adonai Yahweh), emphasizing His absolute authority and lordship over all creation and His covenantal relationship with His people.
This prophecy from Amos vividly illustrates the devastating loss of life and societal collapse that would result from the impending Assyrian invasions. The severe reduction in population – from thousands to hundreds, and hundreds to mere tens – underscores the completeness of the impending judgment on Israel for its sins.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Amos Prophesies to Israel
Amos, a shepherd from Judah, is sent by God to prophesy against the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity but also deep social injustice and religious corruption.
c. 732 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the North
The Neo-Assyrian Empire, under Tiglath-Pileser III, expands its influence, conquering northern territories and demanding tribute from Israel.
c. 724-722 BC
Siege and Fall of Samaria
The capital city of Samaria is besieged and ultimately conquered by the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V. This marks the end of the northern kingdom of Israel as an independent entity.
c. 721 BC
Mass Deportation of Israelites
Following the conquest of Samaria, the Assyrians deport a significant portion of the Israelite population to other parts of their empire, scattering them and effectively ending the ten northern tribes.
This passage echoes the sense of vulnerability and reliance on God for protection, similar to Amos' prophecy of decimation.
Leviticus 26:22This verse describes a similar consequence of disobedience, where a smaller force will pursue a larger one, reflecting the drastic reduction mentioned in Amos.
Ezekiel 14:13This passage speaks of divine judgment upon a land where a remnant is left, aligning with the severe loss of population described in Amos 5:3.
Deuteronomy 28:62This verse directly parallels the idea of a population being drastically reduced to a tenth, reinforcing the severe judgment implied by Amos.
barnesAmos 5:3: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel."
The city that went out by a thousand - (that is, probably that sent out a thousand fighting men, as the word "went out" is often used for, "went out" to fight,) "shall have" literally, "shall retain, an hundred." She was to be decimated. Only, the tenth alone was to be reserved alive; the nine-tenths were to be des…
ellicottAmos 5:3: "For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel."
(3) Shall leave an hundred.— i.e. , shall have an hundred only as a remnant of the thousand who went forth to war. The great cities were to be decimated in the coming struggle with Assyria.
This isn't just about military defeat; it's a stark picture of a nation decimated, where even the largest cities, once able to send out a thousand warriors, will be reduced to a mere hundred, and smaller ones to just ten. This dramatic tenfold reduction highlights the catastrophic loss of life and the profound weakness that will befall Israel, leaving them unable to recover their former strength.
Amos has just delivered a lament over Israel's impending doom, and now God himself speaks to explain why rescue is impossible. He declares that even the most populous cities will be so devastated that they'll lose nine-tenths of their people, reduced to a mere tenth of their former strength. This drastic decimation, affecting both large and small cities, highlights the utter hopelessness of Israel's situation and serves as a harsh justification for the lament.
Amos has just delivered a lament over Israel's impending doom, and now God himself speaks to explain why rescue is impossible. He declares that even the most populous cities will be so devastated that they'll lose nine-tenths of their people, reduced to a mere tenth of their former strength. This drastic decimation, affecting both large and small cities, highlights the utter hopelessness of Israel's situation and serves as a harsh justification for the lament.
"For thus says the Lord GOD:
“The city that went out a thousand
shall have a hundred left,
and that which went out a hundred
shall have ten left
to the house of Israel.”" — This isn't just about military defeat; it's a stark picture of a nation decimated, where even the largest cities, once able to send out a thousand warriors, will be reduced to a mere hundred, and sma…
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Last reviewed October 2026