Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ New Living Translation But the LORD called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’ English Standard Version But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Berean Standard Bible But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ King James Bible And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. New King James Version Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, And the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ New American Standard Bible But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel.’ NASB 1995 “But the LORD took me from following the flock and the LORD said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel.’ NASB 1977 “But the LORD took me from following the flock and the LORD said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel.’ Legacy Standard Bible But Yahweh took me from following the flock, and Yahweh said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel.’ Amplified Bible But the LORD took me as I followed the flock and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ Christian Standard Bible But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ” Holman Christian Standard Bible But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’” American Standard Version and Jehovah took me from following the flock, and Jehovah said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. Contemporary English Version But the LORD told me to leave my herds and preach to the people of Israel. English Revised Version and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation But the LORD took me away from herding the flock and said to me, 'Prophesy to my people Israel.' Good News Translation But the LORD took me from my work as a shepherd and ordered me to come and prophesy to his people Israel. International Standard Version But the LORD took me from tending the flock and the LORD kept saying to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' NET Bible Then the LORD took me from tending flocks and gave me this commission, 'Go! Prophesy to my people Israel!' New Heart English Bible and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ World English Bible and Yahweh took me from following the flock, and Yahweh said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand YHWH takes me from after the flock, and YHWH says to me, Go, prophesy to My people Israel. Young's Literal Translation and Jehovah taketh me from after the flock, and Jehovah saith unto me, Go, prophesy unto My people Israel. Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will take me from after the sheep, and Jehovah will say to me, Go prophesy to my people Israel. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord took me when I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy to my people Israel. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord took me, when I was following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ ” New American Bible but the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ New Revised Standard Version and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, Go, prophesy against my people Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH led me from behind the flock, and LORD JEHOVAH said to me: ’go prophesy against my people Israel’ OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said unto me: Go, prophesy unto My people Israel. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord took me from the sheep, and the Lord said to me, Go, and prophesy to my people Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Amaziah Accuses Amos…14“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. 15But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ 16Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’… Cross References Exodus 3:10 Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.” 1 Samuel 16:11-13 And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!” Matthew 4:18-20 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. / “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Acts 9:15 “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ... 2 Samuel 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. Ezekiel 2:3-5 “Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. / They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ / And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. Hosea 1:2 When the LORD first spoke through Hosea, He told him, “Go, take a prostitute as your wife and have children of adultery, because this land is flagrantly prostituting itself by departing from the LORD.” Matthew 9:9 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. Mark 1:16-20 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. / “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” / And at once they left their nets and followed Him. ... Luke 5:10-11 and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men.” / And when they had brought their boats ashore, they left everything and followed Him. John 15:16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Treasury of Scripture And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, Go, prophesy to my people Israel. took. 2 Samuel 7:8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: Psalm 78:70-72 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: … Matthew 4:18,19 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers… as I followed. Jeremiah 1:7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Ezekiel 2:3,4 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day… Luke 24:46-48 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: … Jump to Previous Flock Followed Following Israel Prophesy Prophet TendingJump to Next Flock Followed Following Israel Prophesy Prophet TendingAmos 7 1. The judgments of the grasshoppers,4. and of the fire are diverted by the prayer of Amos. 7. By the wall of a plumb line is signified the rejection of Israel. 10. Amaziah complains of Amos. 14. Amos shows his calling 16. and Amaziah's judgment. But the LORD took me from following the flock This phrase highlights Amos's humble beginnings as a shepherd, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in calling individuals from ordinary backgrounds for His purposes. Shepherding was a common occupation in ancient Israel, often associated with figures like David, who was also called from tending sheep to lead Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). This reflects the biblical theme of God choosing the lowly and unexpected to fulfill His plans (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). The imagery of a shepherd is significant throughout Scripture, symbolizing care, guidance, and leadership, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa, called by God to be a prophet to Israel. His humble beginnings highlight God's ability to use anyone for His purposes. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who calls and commissions Amos to deliver His message to the people of Israel. 3. Israel The northern kingdom, which had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and social injustice. Amos is sent to prophesy against their sins. 4. Tekoa A small town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, where Amos was from. It emphasizes the contrast between Amos's origins and his mission field in Israel. 5. Prophecy The act of delivering God's message. Amos's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth to a wayward nation. Teaching Points God's Sovereign ChoiceGod chooses whom He wills, regardless of their background or status. Amos's call reminds us that God can use anyone for His purposes. Obedience to God's Call Amos's response to God's call is immediate and obedient. We should be ready to respond to God's call in our lives, even if it leads us out of our comfort zones. The Importance of Prophecy Prophecy is a vital part of God's communication with His people. We should value and heed the messages God sends through His chosen messengers. God's Concern for Justice Amos's message to Israel was one of justice and righteousness. We are called to reflect God's heart for justice in our own lives and communities. Faithfulness in Small Beginnings Amos's humble beginnings as a shepherd remind us that faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities in God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Amos 7:15?2. How does Amos 7:15 illustrate God's calling despite humble beginnings? 3. What does Amos 7:15 teach about God's authority in choosing His messengers? 4. How can Amos 7:15 inspire us to respond to God's call today? 5. Compare Amos 7:15 with Jeremiah 1:5 on divine calling and purpose. 6. How does Amos 7:15 encourage us to trust God's plan over our qualifications? 7. Why did God choose Amos, a shepherd, to prophesy in Amos 7:15? 8. How does Amos 7:15 challenge the idea of divine calling? 9. What does Amos 7:15 reveal about God's selection of prophets? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 7? 11. What role do prophets play in God's plan? 12. (Amos 2:4-5) Why does God's judgment on Judah differ from judgments described in other prophetic books? 13. Amos 7:3, 6 - If God is 'unchanging,' why does He appear to change His decision in answer to Amos's plea? 14. What are the key themes in the Book of Amos? What Does Amos 7:15 Mean But the LORD took me- God Himself initiates Amos’s ministry, underscoring divine sovereignty. What happens is not Amos’s idea or a human committee’s decision; it is the Lord’s direct action (Isaiah 6:8; John 15:16). - By using “took,” the verse stresses a decisive, interrupting act. God steps into ordinary life and redirects it (Acts 9:3-6). - The statement also answers Amaziah’s charge that Amos is merely opportunistic (Amos 7:14). Amos can stand firm because his authority rests on God’s call, not personal ambition (Galatians 1:15-16). from following the flock - Amos was tending sheep and dressing sycamore-fig trees (Amos 7:14), a humble background similar to David’s (Psalm 78:70-71) and Moses’ (Exodus 3:1-10). - Scripture repeatedly shows the Lord choosing everyday laborers, proving that usefulness to God depends on obedience, not status (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). - “Following the flock” highlights faithfulness in small things. Before speaking for God, Amos was diligent in ordinary work—an encouragement that God notices quiet faithfulness (Colossians 3:23-24). and said to me - God speaks personally; the call is relational, not mechanical (Jeremiah 1:4-7). - Direct revelation authenticates the message. Amos does not rely on dreams, trends, or public opinion but on the living word of God (Hebrews 1:1-2). - The phrase shows covenant intimacy: the Creator converses with His servant, reflecting the pattern seen with Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:13-18). ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ - “Go” implies movement and mission. Amos must leave comfort zones and enter hostile territory—the northern kingdom that will resist his words (Matthew 10:16-20). - “Prophesy” means to speak God’s message with authority and urgency. The task is not optional; it is a command (Jeremiah 26:2). - “My people Israel” reminds listeners of covenant privilege and responsibility (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). God still claims them, even as He warns them. - The commission also foreshadows the Great Commission principle: God sends His servants to confront sin and call for repentance because He loves His people (2 Peter 3:9). summary Amos 7:15 reveals a God who interrupts ordinary lives to accomplish extraordinary purposes. The Lord personally seized Amos, lifted him from simple shepherding, spoke directly to him, and sent him on a risky, indispensable mission. The verse assures believers that God’s call is sovereign, personal, and purposeful—rooted in His unwavering claim over His people and fueled by His desire to speak truth through obedient servants. (15) Followed the flock.--There is no hint of any lack of education or refinement (see Introduction) through the exclusion of any special aid derived from the training of earlier prophets. In this case God's inward call had been more than sufficient.Verse 15. - As I followed; literally, from after from behind, as in the call of David (2 Samuel 7:8; Psalm 78:70), The Divine call came to him suddenly and imperatively, and he must needs obey it. He, therefore, could not follow Amaziah's counsel.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew But the LORDיְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel took me וַיִּקָּחֵ֣נִי (way·yiq·qā·ḥê·nî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular Strong's 3947: To take from following מֵאַחֲרֵ֖י (mê·’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition-m Strong's 310: The hind or following part the flock הַצֹּ֑אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock and said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to me, אֵלַי֙ (’ê·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to ‘Go, לֵ֥ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk prophesy הִנָּבֵ֖א (hin·nā·ḇê) Verb - Nifal - Imperative - masculine singular Strong's 5012: To prophesy, speak, by inspiration to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to My people עַמִּ֥י (‘am·mî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Israel.’ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links Amos 7:15 NIVAmos 7:15 NLT Amos 7:15 ESV Amos 7:15 NASB Amos 7:15 KJV Amos 7:15 BibleApps.com Amos 7:15 Biblia Paralela Amos 7:15 Chinese Bible Amos 7:15 French Bible Amos 7:15 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Amos 7:15 And Yahweh took me from following (Amo. 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