(5) I will remove the rulers of the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon. See Amos 1.5. It should be shown that Ashdod and Ashkelon are cities. It should also be clear in context that they and Ekron along with Gaza are cities of the Philistines.

I will turn my hand against Ekron/I will punish the city of Ekron. (See also Smith-Goodspeed, New American Bible, New English Bible). Hand here means “power.” If similar picture language can be used in the translation, it should be. If not, then some other kind of picture language expressing the idea of “power and punishment” should be used if possible. If no picture language is suitable, the translation will have to be direct as it is in the Good News Translation. Compare Moffatt: “I strike my blows at Ekron.” Ekron may also have to be qualified as the city of Ekron.

The remnant of the Philistines/all the Philistines who are left. The remnant of the Philistines does not mean those who have not been mentioned in the preceding verses, but those who might have escaped the punishment. The Good News Translation restructuring is helpful.

(6) Says the Lord GOD. Unlike verse 5, the Hebrew text here has an additional word, GOD. However, whatever the reason for this difference, the use of exactly the same form as in verse 5 is perfectly correct in the translation. (See also under 3.7.)

Quoted with permission from de Waard, Jan & Smalley, William A. A Handbook on Amos. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1979. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .