Amos 1
Amos 1 introduces the prophet Amos, who brings God’s judgments against several neighboring nations of Israel for their sins and atrocities. God’s message begins with warnings to Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon, announcing that their violence, betrayal, and cruelty will bring divine punishment. Each nation’s specific sins are listed, showing God’s concern for justice and righteousness. This chapter sets the stage for the theme of justice that will run throughout the book, as Amos calls out both Israel’s neighbors and Israel itself for failing to uphold God’s standards.
Amos 1:1 (NKJV)
1 The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
Amos, originally a sheepbreeder, is called by God to prophesy to Israel. His prophecy occurs during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, a period of prosperity for Israel. The mention of an earthquake marks the prophecy with an event of judgment, suggesting that God’s warning should not be taken lightly.
Amos 1:2 (NKJV)
2 And he said: “The Lord roars from Zion, And utters His voice from Jerusalem; The pastures of the shepherds mourn, And the top of Carmel withers.”
God’s powerful voice is described as roaring, signifying impending judgment. This roar causes the land to mourn, symbolizing how even nature itself is affected by human sin. The withering of Carmel, a lush area, emphasizes the intensity of God’s judgment, which will impact both people and land.
Amos 1:3-5 (NKJV)
3 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron.
4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, Which shall devour the palaces of Ben-Hadad.
5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus, And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven, And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden. The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,” Says the Lord.
Damascus is condemned for its brutal treatment of Gilead, described as threshing with iron, implying extreme cruelty. God’s judgment is portrayed as fire, symbolizing complete destruction, aimed at the leaders and strongholds of Damascus. This judgment will lead to the exile of Syria’s people, illustrating the consequences of unrestrained violence.
Amos 1:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up to Edom.
7 But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, Which shall devour its palaces.
8 I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, And the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn My hand against Ekron, And the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,” Says the Lord God.
Gaza is condemned for its role in the slave trade, capturing whole communities and selling them to Edom. God’s punishment again comes as fire, threatening to destroy Gaza’s defenses and palaces. This judgment extends to other Philistine cities, symbolizing a complete overthrow of those who engage in exploitation and oppression.
Amos 1:9-10 (NKJV)
9 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, And did not remember the covenant of brotherhood.
10 But I will send a fire upon the wall of Tyre, Which shall devour its palaces.”
Tyre’s sin is similar to Gaza’s; they betrayed their covenantal relationships by delivering captives to Edom. Tyre’s disregard for alliances and trust leads to their downfall. God’s fire symbolizes the destruction of Tyre’s fortresses and reflects the consequences of betrayal and exploitation.
Amos 1:11-12 (NKJV)
11 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because he pursued his brother with the sword, And cast off all pity; His anger tore perpetually, And he kept his wrath forever.
12 But I will send a fire upon Teman, Which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.”
Edom is condemned for relentless aggression against Israel, whom they regarded as a brother nation. Their persistent anger and lack of compassion fuel ongoing hostility, leading God to send a destructive fire upon their strongholds. This judgment underscores the importance of mercy, even toward adversaries.
Amos 1:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead, That they might enlarge their territory.
14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, And it shall devour its palaces, Amid shouting in the day of battle, And a tempest in the day of the whirlwind.
15 Their king shall go into captivity, He and his princes together,” Says the Lord.
Ammon is condemned for its extreme violence, including the horrific act of killing pregnant women to expand their land. This cruelty brings God’s fiery judgment upon their city and leaders. The description of a tempest and shouting in battle highlights the chaos of God’s punishment, emphasizing the severe consequences for such brutal acts.