Amos 3

Amos 1–2 presents a series of judgment oracles against the surrounding nations and closes with judgment against Israel. Beginning in chapter 3, a series of sections opening with "Hear this word" follows, and the indictment of the northern kingdom of Israel unfolds in full.

Outline

• Verses 1–2 The Lord addresses the whole family that He brought up out of Egypt. Because He has known them alone of all the families of the earth, He will punish them for all their iniquities.
• Verses 3–8 A series of cause-and-effect questions follows, drawing on images of two walking together, a lion, a bird caught in a snare, and a trumpet blown in a city. The conclusion is "the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?"
• Verses 9–11 The palaces of Ashdod and Egypt are summoned as witnesses to behold the great tumults and oppression in Samaria. An adversary will then come from every side and plunder its palaces.
• Verse 12 As a shepherd rescues from the lion's mouth only two legs or a piece of an ear, so the children of Israel who sit on luxurious couches will be rescued only in such meager fragments.
• Verses 13–15 The horns of the altar at Bethel will be cut off, and the winter house, the summer house, and the houses of ivory will be destroyed.

Key Verses

• Amos 3:2 "You only have I known of all the families of the earth" — This verse expresses the chapter's theme that election is not a privilege but the ground of greater responsibility.
• Amos 3:3 "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" — The first of the rhetorical questions that follow, it is frequently quoted on its own.
• Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" — This verse is often cited as the basis for the role of the prophet.

People and Places

• Amos: Although his name does not appear in this chapter, he is the speaker who delivers the message.
• Egypt: The land of the Exodus; in verse 9 it is summoned as a witness to observe the sins of Samaria.
• Ashdod: A major city of Philistia, summoned as a witness alongside Egypt.
• Samaria: The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, indicted as a place where violence and robbery have been stored up.
• Bethel: A worship center of the northern kingdom where Jeroboam I set up an altar (1 Kings 12).

Points for Reflection

• The word "known" in verse 2 is understood to mean chosen within a covenant relationship. It is often explained together with "unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required" (Luke 12:48).
• The "evil" (calamity) of verse 6 is frequently discussed in treatments of the relationship between God's providence and evil and suffering.
• Interpretations of verse 7 differ. Some cite it in support of the claim that the gift of prophecy continues today, while others read it more narrowly as describing the role of prophets in Amos's own time (see cessationism and continuationism).
• The "horns of the altar" in verse 14 are the projections at the four corners of the altar. Their being cut off is interpreted to mean that the altar will no longer serve as a place of refuge or atonement.

In the Korean Church

Verse 3 is frequently quoted, apart from its original context, in sermons on marriage, partnership in ministry, or walking with God.