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Amos 1

World English Bible

WEB

1The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen 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. 2He said: “Yahweh will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the pastures of the shepherds will mourn, and the top of Carmel will wither.” 3Yahweh says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron; 4but I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, and it will devour the palaces of Ben Hadad. 5I will break the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven, and him who holds the scepter from the house of Eden; and the people of Syria shall go into captivity to Kir,” says Yahweh. 6Yahweh says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they carried away captive the whole community, to deliver them up to Edom; 7but I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, and it will devour its palaces. 8I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; and I will turn my hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” says the Lord Yahweh. 9Yahweh says: “For three transgressions of Tyre, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they delivered up the whole community to Edom, and didn’t remember the brotherly covenant; 10but I will send a fire on the wall of Tyre, and it will devour its palaces.” 11Yahweh says: “For three transgressions of Edom, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity, and his anger raged continually, and he kept his wrath forever; 12but I will send a fire on Teman, and it will devour the palaces of Bozrah.” 13Yahweh says: “For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead, that they may enlarge their border. 14But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it will devour its palaces, with shouting in the day of battle, with a storm in the day of the whirlwind; 15and their king will go into captivity, he and his princes together,” says Yahweh.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Amos Chapter 1 serves as the introduction to the prophetic ministry of Amos, a shepherd from #Tekoa, who is called by God to deliver a message of judgment against the nations surrounding #Israel. The chapter begins with a declaration of the time period during which Amos prophesied, specifically during the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam II of Israel. This context is crucial as it sets the stage for the impending judgment due to the rampant sin and injustice prevalent in both Israel and its neighboring nations.

The chapter outlines a series of oracles against various nations, including #Damascus, #Gaza, #Tyre, #Edom, #Ammon, and #Moab. Each oracle begins with a statement of judgment, detailing the specific sins of these nations, such as violence, oppression, and betrayal. For instance, the judgment against Damascus highlights their cruelty and violence against Gilead, while Gaza is condemned for their slave trade. This pattern emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and His role as the ultimate judge of both Israel and its enemies. The repeated phrase, "For three transgressions... and for four," signifies the overflowing nature of their sins, indicating that their iniquity has reached a tipping point.

Amos 1 not only serves as a warning to the nations but also foreshadows the coming judgment upon Israel itself, as it sets the tone for the rest of the book. The chapter calls readers to reflect on the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment, reminding us that God is just and will hold all nations accountable for their actions. This chapter invites us to consider our own lives and the importance of living in accordance with God's will, as we await the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in Christ.

#Amos #Prophecy #Judgment #Israel #Nations

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Referenced by

  1. Isaiah 17:1v3Isaiah 17:1 prophesies the downfall of Damascus, which is echoed in Amos 1:3-5, where the judgment against Damascus is pronounced due to their transgressions.
  2. Ezekiel 25:15v6Ezekiel 25:15 speaks against the Philistines for their revengeful actions, which is paralleled in Amos 1:6-8 where God pronounces judgment on the Philistines for their transgressions.
  3. Hosea 11:10v2Hosea 11:10 speaks of the LORD roaring like a lion, which is echoed in Amos 1:2, where the LORD's voice is described as a roar from Zion, symbolizing His powerful presence and judgment.
  4. Joel 3:16v2Joel 3:16 describes the LORD roaring from Zion, similar to Amos 1:2 where the LORD roars from Zion, indicating His powerful presence and judgment.

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