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3:1–5:17 Amos continues his criticism of Israel through three oracles of judgment, each beginning with the phrase “Hear this word” (Amos 3:1; 4:1; 5:1). The rhetoric alternates between detailing Israel’s specific sins and revealing the divine plan for judgment, with a few appeals for repentance interspersed. |
3:1 Hear this word This formulaic introduction opens the oracles in vv. 1; 4:1; and 5:1.
from the land of Egypt See 2:10 and note.
3:2 You only have I chosen Israel’s status as Yahweh’s chosen people means they are held to a higher standard (see note on Hos 6:6). Knowledge, in this context, refers to their covenant relationship.
3:3–8 Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions, where the expected answer is “no,” to emphasize that judgment is just as certain as the predictable reactions evoked by the questions. Seven questions in Amos 3:3–6 are interrupted by the acknowledgment of Yahweh’s sovereignty required by the question in v. 6. The final questions in v. 8 emphasize the prophet’s role as a mere messenger for God who is unable to resist the call to preach (compare Jer 20:8–9). |
3:4 a lion See Amos 1:2 and note.
3:6 is a horn blown in a city An alarm sounded by the watchman to warn of danger. See note on Jer 4:5.
a disaster The biblical writers were secure in their understanding that Yahweh was the ultimate agent behind all events. See Lam 3:38; Mic 1:12; compare Isa 45:7 and note.
3:7 my Lord does not do anything unless he has revealed his secret Qualifies the statement in Amos 3:6 by emphasizing that Yahweh does reveal His plans and His demands to His people through the prophets.
his servants the prophets A common phrase in Jeremiah and Kings
to refer to the prophets (Jer 7:25; 25:4; 2 Kgs 9:7; 17:13).
3:9 Ashdod One of the main cities of the Philistines. See note on Amos 1:6.
Ashdod AEHL
the land of Egypt Both Ashdod and Egypt are south of Israel and would be threatened by the advance of any Mesopotamian power past Samaria, Israel’s capital. Having a vested interest in Samaria’s stability, these nations are called to witness the corruption that will lead to Israel’s downfall.
Samaria The capital of Israel. See note on Jer 31:5.
3:11 A foe shall surround the land Fulfilled by Assyria in 722 bc. See 2 Kgs 18:9–12.
3:12 two legs or a piece of an ear If a shepherd could provide proof that an animal was destroyed by a predator, he would be absolved of responsibility for the loss and not be suspected of theft.
Amos 3:12 IVPBBCOT
3:14 the altars of Bethel An ancient sanctuary turned into one of the primary religious centers of the northern kingdom (see 1 Kgs 12:25–33; note on Hos 8:6).
the horns of the altar The horns of the altar represented the place where people could seek refuge and protection (Exod 21:14; 1 Kgs 1:50–51; 2:28–29). Cutting off the horns desecrated the altar, transforming it from a sacred site to an ordinary object. See note on Exod 27:2.
Altar DBI
Altar ISBE
3:15 the winter house as well as the summer house The ability to maintain two residences was a symbol of the extravagance of the rich in Samaria.
A summer residence would likely have been in the cooler area of the central hill country. A winter home might have been located in the warmer Jezreel Valley.
Seasons DBI
the houses of ivory King Ahab built house heavily decorated with ivory, a symbol of lavish wealth (see 1 Kgs 22:39 and note; compare Psa 45:8). Ivory inlays were used to decorate wood furniture and buildings.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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