Matthew Poole and continuators on Amos 1:3

3 Thus saith the LORD , For three transgressions of Damascus and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof: because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of Iron .

Amos speaks not by conjecture, or of his own head but as he comes in the Name of the Lord, so he assures us of it by this most solemn attestation.

This certain number is put for an uncertain, Three, i. e. many, especially when as here 'tis join'd with Four; their Transgressions are so multiplied, grown to such height and number.

It was the chief City of the Kingdom of Syria, and very antient, Abrahams steward was of this City, North-east from Canaan conquer'd by David, lost by Solomon, recover'd by Ieroboam the second, though soon after lost again, and was in Ahaz time the Seat Royal of Rezin whom Tiglath Pileser slew, 2 King. 16.9. while it was in its Power and greatness it mightily opprest Israel; it is here by a Synechdoche put for the whole Kingdom of Syria.

Some refer this to the suffering Damascus to be quiet; God threatens that she shall not have rest; others say 'tis a threat that God would not convert it, but leave the Syrians to their impenitent heart; but our Version is full and plain, it is a threat of punishment which they should certainly fall under. God would no longer continue to be patient and gracious towards such sinners, nor divert the menaced punishment foretold by the Prophet, deserved by the people, and which shall be executed by an impartial hand.

The Syrians comprized in the word Damascus, by a Synechdoche.

First gathered (as Husbandmen gather Sheafs into a Floor) next trod them under foot, beat them small, i. e. with utmost cruelty destroyed the Persons, Towns and Cities.

Of this name there was a great Mountain 50 miles in length, saith my Author, there was also a Country of this name, and a City possessed by the Reubenites, Gadites and Manassites; Now the Gilead in this Text is by a very usual figure put for the inhabitants of this Country and City, whom Hazael King of Syria, as was foretold by Eli[illegible: 1 letter]ha, 2 King. 8.12. did most barbarously murther, as appears by the words of this Text.

Rakes or Flailes, or Harrows or Saws, or heavy wheels of Iron, which soever of these were the Instruments intended, 'tis most certain it was a very barbarous and cruel manner of using them.

Marginal references: Isa. 8.4. & 17.1. Jer. 49.23. Zech. 9.1.; Or, yea for four.; Or, convert it, or, let it be quiet.; 2 King. 13.7. so ver. 6. &c.