The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.
I abhor the excellency of Jacob - (Psalms 47:4). The sanctuary, which was the great glory of the covenant-people (Vatablus). (Ezekiel 24:21.) Or else, the priesthood, and kingdom, and dignity conferred on them by God. These, saith God, are of no account in my eyes toward averting punishment (Calvin).
And hate his palaces - as being the storehouses of "robbery" (Amos 3:10; Amos 3:15). How sad a change from God's love of Zion's gates (Psalms 87:2) and palaces (Psalms 48:3-13), owing to the people's sin! "The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." "God is known in her palaces for a refuge."
Therefore, will I deliver up the city - literally, 'I will shut up,' implying the straitness of the coming sieges, so that there should be no going out or coming in (Pusey). Collectively, both Zion and Samaria (Amos 6:1).
With all that is therein - literally, its fullness: all that fills it: the multitude of men and of riches in it (cf. Psalms 24:1). With all that is therein - literally, its fullness: all that fills it: the multitude of men and of riches in it (cf. Psalms 24:1).