Lexical Summary boqer: Morning Original Word: בּוֹקִר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance herdman Properly, active participle from baqar as denominative from baqar; a cattle-tender -- herdman. see HEBREW baqar see HEBREW baqar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom baqar Definition a herdsman NASB Translation herdsman (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical SettingThe single occurrence of בּוֹקִר appears in Amos 7:14, where the prophet defends his divine commission: “I was not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore figs” (Amos 7:14). The word identifies Amos as a breeder or keeper of livestock, placing him among Israel’s working class rather than the established prophetic guilds of his day. Agricultural and Pastoral Context Livestock breeding in eighth-century Israel required vigilance, strength, and steady commitment. Herds were grazed on rough Judean terrain, often exposed to predators and theft (Genesis 31:39; 1 Samuel 17:34-35). A herdsman spent long days guiding animals to water, leading them to fresh pasture, and nursing the vulnerable. Amos’ self-description indicates hands-on, practical expertise rather than social prestige. His dual role as “tender of sycamore figs” suggests seasonal labor typical of small‐farm operations; sycamore figs ripened in the warmer Shephelah lowlands, so Amos likely traveled between rugged highlands and fertile valleys, learning Israel’s varied landscape firsthand. Prophetic Background Amos ministered during the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel (Amos 1:1), an era of outward prosperity masking serious covenant infidelity (Amos 6:1-6). Against this backdrop, the word translated “herdsman” becomes a theological signpost. Amos’ nonprofessional status highlights that the LORD calls whom He wills, bypassing established institutions when they grow complacent. Moses was tending sheep when God spoke from the bush (Exodus 3:1). David moved from shepherding ewes to shepherding a nation (2 Samuel 7:8). Amos joins this pattern: ordinary laborer, extraordinary message. Spiritual Themes 1. God’s Sovereignty in Vocational Calling “The LORD took me from following the flock” (Amos 7:15). Human qualifications are not ultimate; divine commissioning is. The single instance of בּוֹקִר underscores that an everyday occupation poses no barrier to prophetic authority. 2. Shepherd Imagery and Covenant Responsibility Herdsmanship involves protecting, guiding, and providing—tasks mirrored in Amos’ warnings to Israel’s leaders, who should have shepherded the nation with justice (Micah 3:1-3). By naming his trade, Amos implicitly contrasts faithful animal care with Israel’s neglect of the poor (Amos 5:11-12). 3. Humility and Boldness Amos speaks hard truths precisely because he is not beholden to the northern court or sanctuary (Amos 7:12-13). The independence afforded by manual labor grants him courage to proclaim judgment without fear of losing salary or status. Ministry Implications • Vocation and Witness Scripture affirms that secular work can coexist with, and even enhance, spiritual ministry. Like Paul the tentmaker (Acts 18:3) and the fishermen called by Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22), modern believers may faithfully serve Christ within their trades while speaking prophetic truth to culture. • Shepherd-Leadership Church leaders are exhorted, “Shepherd the flock of God among you” (1 Peter 5:2). Amos’ background reminds pastors that the shepherd motif demands personal sacrifice, attentive care, and moral integrity—a far cry from self-indulgent leadership condemned in Ezekiel 34:2-3. • Integrity in Social Justice Amos denounces those who “trample the heads of the poor into the dust” (Amos 2:7). A man accustomed to guarding defenseless animals becomes God’s voice for the defenseless people. Contemporary ministry must likewise couple proclamation with protection of the vulnerable. Christological and New Testament Resonance The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Amos, the herdsman-prophet, foreshadows Christ by confronting false security and calling for heartfelt repentance. His solitary use of בּוֹקִר reminds readers that the ultimate Shepherd emerged from humble surroundings—“the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55)—to announce the kingdom of God. Summary בּוֹקִר, though occurring only once, embodies a rich tapestry of biblical truth: God’s freedom to choose uncredentialed servants, the dignity of ordinary labor, and the pastoral model of protective, sacrificial leadership. The herdsman of Tekoa stands as enduring testimony that the word of the LORD is neither bound by social rank nor hindered by human expectation, but springs from hearts made ready through faithful, humble toil. Forms and Transliterations בוֹקֵ֥ר בוקר ḇō·w·qêr ḇōwqêr voKerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Amos 7:14 HEB: אָנֹ֑כִי כִּֽי־ בוֹקֵ֥ר אָנֹ֖כִי וּבוֹלֵ֥ס NAS: of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower KJV: son; but I [was] an herdman, and a gatherer INT: I I am a herdsman and a grower 1 Occurrence |
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