Amos 3
IN chapters 1 and 2 The people of Israel were included in the judgments pronounced upon the nations occupying the land of Palestine and its borders, but from the third chapter to the end they alone are addressed, and that in the most solemn way. “Hear this word” is the introduction to three successive chapters, followed in the fourth by “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.”
The ground of God’s dealing with Israel is stated in verse 2: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth.” They were God’s peculiar people, standing before Him in a very different position from that of the other nations, who were idol worshippers. “Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities,” (See Luke 12:47, 4847And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:47‑48)).
Seven questions are asked, in verses 3 to 6, all of them bearing upon the state of Israel. The first has to do with their relationship with God: “Shall two walk together, except they be agreed?” It was impossible that a holy God could go on with a people full of transgressions.
The second and third questions speak of Israel as shortly to become the prey of devouring enemies who would not spare them, and the fourth and fifth picture them as ensnared to their destruction who had been God’s free people. The latter part of the fifth verse has been rendered, “Will the snare spring up from the earth when nothing at all has been taken?” (N. T.)
The last two questions bring the warning of coming judgment home to those addressed. The blowing of the trumpet told of an enemy’s approach, and the “evil” in a city was a visitation from God there; it might be in a plague, or the capture of the place by an enemy, or some other dealing from Himself.
Israel then was warned; there was cause for an infliction of divine judgment, and that judgment would soon fall. Yet God will not act without revealing it beforehand to His servants the prophets (verse 7). This principle of His dealings with man is to be seen throughout the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation.
“The lion hath roared, —who will not fear? The Lord Jehovah hath spoken, —who can but prophesy?” O, that there were more faithful men in these closing days of God’s grace, to warn sinners of judgment to come!
Verses 9 to 15 forecast the judgment to fall upon the ten tribes, which preceded that of the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin by 132 years. The Philistines and Egyptians were invited to behold the confusion and the oppressions in Samaria, the capital of Israel’s kingdom. An adversary round about the land was foretold, who should bring down their strength and spoil their palaces, and only a very small remnant (verse 12) should escape. The “corner” of a bed, or rather a couch or divan, was the best place in the houses of the rich,
The chapter closes with a warning intended to reach Judah as well as Israel (verses 13-15). The iniquity of idolatry, represented by Jeroboam’s altar at Bethel was to come into remembrance in the day of Israel’s punishment.
ML 01/17/1937