what is the meaning of "three transgressions" (Amos 1:3)?

This expression is used eight times in this prophetic book (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13; 2:1, 4, 6). It speaks of a point where the six enemies of God's people have reached a point of judgment. It speaks of Damascus (or Syria), Gaza, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and even Judah and Israel. It is not to be taken as a literal number, but rather a figurative expression.

The offenses of the six nations (plus Judah and Israel) could not be identically and precisely the same numerically. It is revealing a people, or a nation, advancing to a position where forgiveness and mercy have been exhausted (at least for the current condition), and judgment is being sent forth. 

There is no Scriptural premise establishing such a numerical limitation as set forth in Amos. However, the thought of "three" brings to mind the Trinity of God. This figurative expression represents this sobering truth: once you have moved beyond the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, you have placed yourself beyond the dispensation of mercy and under the judgments of God.

Based on these verses in Amos, the Jewish rabbinical teaching held to the erroneous thought that man was only required to forgive an offense three times.  A famous Jewish author wrote, "If he commits an offense ... the fourth time, they do not forgive." This common Jewish thought was why the Apostle Peter felt he was being so generous in Matthew 18:21 when he questioned extending forgiveness "till seven times?" Although their thought was in error, they did realize it represented man placing himself in a position beyond forgiveness or mercy.
​
The instruction Jesus gave Peter reveals when it comes to us personally, we should never keep count of the times we may find it necessary to extend forgiveness. Hence the figurative number of "seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). This is a multiple of the Biblical number of perfection. However, when it comes to national, or wholesale, apostasy of a people, Romans 12:19 declares the sobering proclamation, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." 
​
It behooves all to stay in the bounds of mercy and forgiveness provided through the Triune God! He would much rather operate within the bounds of mercy rather than in judgment "because he delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18).

Earl R. Borders

From the  October 2023 issue of The Gospel Trumpeter