| Amos 6:1-9:15
Upon seeing a vision of overwhelming and total devastation that awaited, Amos responded with a cry of intercession for the Israelite people. For most people who believe in God, it would seem wrong to challenge God on something He said He would do. How dare we seek to change the mind or will of God? However, for those who know God best, they have come to see that He actually responds to, even takes pleasure in, those who challenge Him based on who they know Him to be. Moses is a classic example of this in the Old Testament. When God told Moses that He was about to destroy the entire nation of Israel because of their extreme sinful rebellion, Moses pleaded with God for just the opposite, even though God told Moses He would replace the Jews with another nation. God relented (Gen. 32:9-14). In the New Testament, there is the account of the Gentile woman who came to ask for healing and deliverance for her daughter. Her daughter suffered horribly under a demonic force within her. As strange as it may seem to us, Jesus denied her. He told her that He had only come for the people of Israel (Matt. 15:21-28). But rather than accept this, she continued to press Him for help. She said that even as children feed a dog crumbs from the table, so she would gladly take "crumbs" from Jesus. Jesus then healed her daughter and praised her for her great faith. We find this same principle in Amos' call to Israel to repent. Their judgment was already set in motion and was soon to fall upon them. But Amos encourages them nonetheless with these words: "Seek good and not evil, that you may live; so the LORD God of hosts will be with you, as you have spoken. Hate evil, love good; establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph" (Amos 5:14-15). Israel is encouraged to reach out to God. Even though it seems they have exceeded in their prolonged sin beyond what even grace could respond to, they are encouraged to believe. "It may be that the Lord will be gracious." Tragically, Israel did not take Amos' council to heart. They did not repent and turn their backs on sin and once again set their hearts to seek God. The lesson is clear. No matter how far or how long you have fallen, boldly cry out for grace. No matter how far or how long those around you have fallen, pray for them. Ask God to extend His grace. We will never go wrong when we pursue passionately by faith God's grace. Tragically, Israel would not. The plumb line had been set. The line had been drawn, one that Israel did not even care to acknowledge. The promised judgment did come, and every word Amos warned came to pass. But even in judgment, mercy was given and the restoration of Israel was promised (9:11-13). Oh, how different our lives would be if, like Amos, we pleaded with God in prayer for His grace to turn the tide of sin and judgment. The prayer of faith in God's grace can yet turn the tide of our hearts. Pray! | |
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Amos 6:1-9:15 Warnings to Zion and Samaria 1 Woe to you who are at ease in Zion, 2 Go over to Calneh and see; 3 Woe to you who put far off the day of doom, 4 Who lie on beds of ivory, 5 Who sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments, 6 Who drink wine from bowls, 7 Therefore they shall now go captive as the first of the captives, 8 The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself, "I abhor the pride of Jacob, 9 Then it shall come to pass, that if ten men remain in one house, they shall die. 10 And when a relative of the dead, with one who will burn the bodies, picks up the bodies to take them out of the house, he will say to one inside the house, "Are there any more with you?" Then someone will say, "None." And he will say, "Hold your tongue! For we dare not mention the name of the LORD." 11 For behold, the LORD gives a command: 12 Do horses run on rocks? 13 You who rejoice over Lo Debar, 14 "But, behold, I will raise up a nation against you, 1 Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, He formed locust swarms at the beginning of the late crop; indeed it was the late crop after the king's mowings. 2 And so it was, when they had finished eating the grass of the land, that I said: "O Lord GOD, forgive, I pray! 3 So the LORD relented concerning this. 4 Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, the Lord GOD called for conflict by fire, and it consumed the great deep and devoured the territory. 5 Then I said: "O Lord GOD, cease, I pray! 6 So the LORD relented concerning this. 7 Thus He showed me: Behold, the Lord stood on a wall made with a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the LORD said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said: "Behold, I am setting a plumb line 9 The high places of Isaac shall be desolate, 10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. 11 For thus Amos has said: 'Jeroboam shall die by the sword, 12 Then Amaziah said to Amos: "Go, you seer! 13 But never again prophesy at Bethel, 14 Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, 15 Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, 16 Now therefore, hear the word of the LORD: 17 "Therefore thus says the LORD: 1 Thus the Lord GOD showed me: Behold, a basket of summer fruit. 2 And He said, "Amos, what do you see?" Then the LORD said to me: "The end has come upon My people Israel; 3 And the songs of the temple Says the Lord GOD— "Many dead bodies everywhere, 4 Hear this, you who swallow up the needy, 5 Saying: "When will the New Moon be past, 6 That we may buy the poor for silver, 7 The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: "Surely I will never forget any of their works. 8 Shall the land not tremble for this, 9 "And it shall come to pass in that day," says the Lord GOD, 10 I will turn your feasts into mourning, 11 "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, 12 They shall wander from sea to sea, 13 "In that day the fair virgins 14 Those who swear by the sin of Samaria, 'As your god lives, O Dan!' 1 I saw the Lord standing by the altar, and He said: "Strike the doorposts, that the thresholds may shake, 2 "Though they dig into hell, 3 And though they hide themselves on top of Carmel, 4 Though they go into captivity before their enemies, 5 The Lord GOD of hosts, 6 He who builds His layers in the sky, 7 "Are you not like the people of Ethiopia to Me, 8 "Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are on the sinful kingdom, 9 "For surely I will command, 10 All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword, 11 "On that day I will raise up 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, 13 "Behold, the days are coming," says the LORD, 14 I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; 15 I will plant them in their land, | |
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| Amos 6:1-9:15 v. 1 the word of the Lord came to him – Hosea's authority rests upon the fact that his message and commission came to him unmistakably from the Lord. Thus, his message to the nation was by divine inspiration (Jer. 1:2, 4; Eze. 1:3; Joel 1:1; Jonah 1:1; Zech. 1:1; 2 Peter 1:21). v. 1 Woe to you who are at ease – The people got complacent with their sin. Mount Samaria – The Samarians were known for idol worship (Micah 1:6-7; Is. 10:11) and Mount Samaria contained a worship center for their idols. v. 2 Are you better than these kingdoms – God shows them three cities that He judged because of their sin. Israel is no exception; He will also judge their sin. v. 4 Who lie on beds of ivory – Ivory was extremely popular during this period and was used for furniture and wall panels. There is evidence in Sennacherib's Assyrian Annals that King Hezekiah owned an ivory couch that was given to the Assyrians as tribute. v. 6 Who drink wine from bowls – The term Amos used for bowl in this passage is usually associated with cultic activity (Ex. 24:6-8, Num. 7:13). Amos is likely accusing the wealthy Israelites of profaning sacred objects. v. 8 I abhor the pride of Jacob, And hate his palaces – God is very clear with His displeasure with his people. They had become hard-hearted compromisers and idolaters. v. 10 when a relative of the dead – It was customary for the nearest relative to bury the dead. burn the bodies – This is possibly a reference to a memorial fire in honor of the dead rather than a reference to cremation. Cremation was generally not practiced during this time. v. 11 the Lord gives a command – has ordered the judgment of Israel v. 13 You who rejoice of Lo Debar – Lo Debar is translated "nothing"; Israel's decision to live for themselves was for nothing. Have we not taken Karnaim for ourselves By our own strength – Karnaim is translated "horn" which was a symbol of strength.Their acquired strength was on their own accord and because of this they had developed an attitude of greatness. v. 14 from the entrance of Hamath To the Valley of the Arabah – This is a reference to the size of land that will by captured by Israel's enemies, from the northernmost Hamath to the southernmost Valley of the Arabah. Amos 7v. 1 the Lord God showed me – God gave Amos three visions. He formed locusts – The first vision was of locusts destroying the late crop. the king's mowing – The king was entitled to a portion of mown grass during the first crop as a form of tax. This ensured that the king's chariot horses had sufficient grass to feed on. O Lord God, Forgive, I pray – Amos cries out on behalf of Israel for mercy. v. 3 the Lord relented – God heard Amos and showed mercy for His people. v. 4 Conflict by fire – Second vision shown to Amos was of a consuming fire. the great deep – The great deep is likely a reference to the Mediterranean Sea.God not only consumed the territory but the sea as well. v. 5 O Lord God, Forgive, I pray – As in the first vision, Amos cries out for mercy on behalf of Israel. v. 6 the Lord relented – God again hears Amos cry and extends mercy for His people. v. 7 plumb line – Amos' third vision is that of the Lord standing on top of a wall, holding a plumb line. This vision is symbolic: the people of Israel represent the wall and the plumb line is a tool that will measure the straightness of the wall and ensure that it is unwavering.The Lord is measuring the uprightness of Israel, the "wall" that He built. v. 8 setting a plumb line in the midst of My people – I am setting a standard, either you are upright or you are wavering. v. 9 I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam – This prophecy was fulfilled in 2 Kings 15:10.Jeroboam's son was killed, bringing an end to the reign of Jeroboam's house. v. 10 Amaziah the priest of Bethel – Amaziah was an idolatrous priest. He heard of the three visions given to Amos. As a priest who benefited from idolatrous worship, he felt threatened by Amos. Amos has conspired against you – Amaziah accused Amos of treason before Jeroboam because Amos prophesied against Israel. In ancient times people believed that a prophet's proclamation unleashed the divine action. Thus there was a concerted effort to stop Amos from prophesying. v. 11 Jeroboam shall die by the sword – Amaziah lied about what Amos previously prophesied. In verse 9 Amos exact words were, "I will rise with the sword against the house of Jeroboam." v. 12 Go you seer…flee to the land of Judah – Amaziah refers to Amos as a seer, which is one who sees visions, an appropriate title for Amos. Amaziah commands Amos to flee to Judah and prophesy. v. 13 it is the king's royal sanctuary – Bethel was one of two royal sanctuaries established by King Jeroboam. The sanctuary in Bethel was set up to serve the people in the Northern Kingdom v. 14 Amos answered – Amos responds to Amaziah's request. I was no prophet nor was I son of a prophet…sheepherder…tender – Amos shares who he was before his calling as a prophet. A simple man, he was given a specific charge to deliver a message. v. 15 Go prophesy to My people Israel – Amaziah wanted Amos to flee to Judah and prophesy. Amos shares that he was charged by the Lord to deliver a message to His people in Israel, not Judah. v. 16 hear the word of the Lord – Amos delivers a message specifically for Amaziah concerning his family. v. 17 Your wife shall be a harlot – The exile of Amaziah, the death of their children, and the loss of their estate would have necessitated Amaziah's wife to live as a prostitute in order to survive. Israel shall surely be led away captive – Amos reiterates Israel's demise for her disobedience. Amos 8v. 1 The Lord God showed – God shows Amos another vision. v. 2 a basket of summer fruit…the end has come upon my people Israel – A symbolic vision; as the fruit is ripe for harvesting, so too Israel is ripe for destruction. v. 3 songs of the temple shall be wailing – Rather than joyous songs, they shall be songs of lamentation and mourning. v. 4 Hear…you who swallow up…the poor of the land fall – Amos commands the attention of those who participated in cruel and ill treatment of the poor to deliver a message that is specifically for them. v. 5 When will the New Moon be past – Israel's religious festivals and Sabbath Law restricted trade and work from being done on certain days throughout the week and year. This caused many merchants to feel as if they were losing business as result of these restrictions. Consequently, many merchants turned to corrupt business practices in an attempt to "make up" the losses. Making the ephah small…shekel large – Amos describes the corruption of the merchants. The merchants would often deceive the poor by tipping the measuring scales to benefit themselves and short the customer when making change. v. 6 buy the poor for silver – Often the poor were in debt because of the merchant's corruption. They were forced to enslave themselves in order to pay off the debt. Even sell the bad wheat – Merchants cheated the poor by selling them the "husks" of the wheat. v. 7 I will never forget any of their works – God remembers every corruptible act and cruel treatment to the poor. v. 8 Shall the land not tremble for this – Implying that an earthquake shall occur as punishment. swell like the River of Egypt – The trembling of the land would cause the surrounding waters to swell and flood the land. This would destroy crops and drown people. v. 9 the sun go down at noon…darken the earth – Accompanying the earthquake, God will show His power and authority over nature by controlling when the sun rises and sets. This will ultimately affect the mood and morale of the people. v. 10 feasts into mourning…songs into lamentations – A reminder of 8:3. Their self-centered lives will go from enjoying pleasure to suffering for their sin. v. 11 days are coming…send a famine…of hearing the words of the Lord – For a season God will cut off all communication with them.This is a heavy judgment to pay; no longer will they have communion with Him. v. 12 They shall wander from sea to sea – This term means "from east to west" or from the Dead Sea in the east to the Mediterranean in the west. In other words, Amos is describing a scene that includes the entire land of Israel. They will go to and fro searching for God's word but will not find it. v. 14 Dan…Beersheba – Dan and Beersheba were noted cultic sites where pagan shrines had been erected. Amos' mention of these two locations was meant to encompass the full extent of Israel's idolatry. Amos 9v. 1 I saw the Lord – Amos is given a final vision. Strike the doorposts…thresholds may shake – The striking of the doorposts and shaking thresholds describe the complete destruction that was coming upon Israel. v. 2 they dig into hell…climb up to heaven – Amos again describes the breadth of the coming judgment. This time God's destruction ranges from the depths of the grave to the expanse of heaven. v. 3 top of Carmel – Mount Carmel is the highest point in Israel, standing 1,800 feet above sea level. Amos contrasts the top of Mount Carmel with the bottom of the sea to describe the immensity of God's imminent judgment. I will command the serpent – Many scholars believe Amos is referring to a mythological serpent that was a fierce monster of the sea. v. 4 go into captivity…I will command the sword – God will cause the enemy to strike and kill the Israelites. v. 5 Lord of hosts…touches the earth and it melts – A description of God's power. His simple touch can melt or dissolve the land and inhabitants. v. 6 builds…founded…calls…pours…The Lord is His name – Amos makes a proclamation. He reminds the people of God's greatness and sovereignty and then reminds them of His name. v. 7 people of Ethiopia – Also translated Cushites. These were dark-skinned people who lived south of Egypt.The Ethiopians were said to be one of the most idolatrous peoples. God compares Israel's behavior to the people of Ethiopia. Bring up Israel from the land of Egypt – As they began to behave like the heathens, they forgot from where they came from. v. 8 eyes of the Lord…on the sinful kingdom – God is omniscient, which means He sees everything. Israel's sin was not limited to any particular tribe but to the whole kingdom. destroy it…not utterly destroy the house of Jacob – God will punish Israel for their sin, but will not completely destroy them. God will show His mercy to His people, whom He loves. v. 9 sifted in a sieve – Sifting grain in a sieve refers to the process of separating the kernels of grain from other debris. The sieve had holes in it that allowed only the grain to fall through while the other foreign objects were discarded. Another words God will separate His chosen people from any foreign nation that has sprouted like weeds. the smallest grain – Not one individual will be lost in the sifting. v. 10 sinners…shall die by the sword – Those who do not heed God's warning—especially those who mock God and swear that they will come to no harm—will be killed. v. 11 I will raise up The tabernacle of David…repair the damages…raise up its ruins…rebuild it as the days of old – This verse is regarded as a messianic prophecy according to the Jewish Talmud. Yet to be fulfilled, God will return for His people and restore them to their land. They will then receive the Lord Jesus as their Messiah (also Acts 15:16). v. 12 possess the remnant of Edom – Israel and their enemies from Edom shall be united with the Jewish people as one body under Christ. v. 13 days are coming…mountains shall drip with sweet wine – Their will be a great abundance of crops, never a shortage of food or resources (also Joel 3:18). v. 14 bring back the captives of my people – God is speaking of their present captivity. He will redeem them from their current condition of bondage. v. 15 plant them in their land – God's people will be planted in their land and will flourish in all things, both temporal and spiritual. no longer shall they be pulled – A prophecy yet to be fulfilled. As God's people are currently scattered among the earth, He promises to reestablish His people to their land. Although God initially deals with His people harshly for their sin, His grace and mercy is evident in this final chapter. | |
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| "And so it was, when they had finished eating the grass of the land, that I said: "O Lord GOD, forgive, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!" So the LORD relented concerning this. "It shall not be," said the LORD." –Amos 7:2-3 We see today how intercession can make so much difference, Lord. We see how prayer really changes things and has an impact on us and those around us. Give us hearts that long to pray, Lord, and that seek Your face, Your will, Your grace, and Your forgiveness in every situation and for every relationship. | |
7:2-3 And so it was, when they had finished eating the grass of the land, that I said: "O Lord GOD, forgive, I pray! Oh, that Jacob may stand, For he is small!" So the LORD relented concerning this. "It shall not be," said the LORD.
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