Gʼuiˬsha geh kʼai-o. Oˇ hkʼe te ve kʼo, nawˬ hui gʼa te‸ chehˇ tuˬ yoˬ. Nawˬ hui oˇ hkʼe maˇ te ve kʼo, yawˇ lehˬ aˬ miˍ hkʼa shuˍ Iˉsaˍreˍlaˆ chaw hui hta‸ to‸ baˬ piˇ tuˬ yoˬ. Beˍteˍlaˆ venˇ hkʼaw chehˇ ve chaw hui hta‸ htawˇ, aˬ miˍ to‸ baˬ piˇ tuˬ yoˬ. Chaw teˇ gʼaˇ ka‸ aˬ miˍ oˇ ve hta‸ shiˉ pehˍ gʼa tuˬ ve maˇ heˆ.
What Does This Mean?
The verse is from the prophet Amos who warns the people of Israel to seek God or face destruction like a fire spreading in a house. He specifically mentions Bethel, where they worshipped idols instead of the true God.
Explained for Children
Imagine if you had a toy that could catch on fire if left unattended near a candle. Amos is telling his people to be careful and seek God before something bad happens, like a fire in their house.
Historical Background
Amos was an eighth-century BCE prophet who spoke against the social injustices and idolatry of Israelites. This message was directed at the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly its inhabitants around Bethel, where they had set up golden calves as idols to worship.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, this can be likened to seeking help or guidance before a problem gets out of hand. For example, facing financial issues early through proper budgeting and savings rather than letting it spiral into debt.