These are the words of Amos
Amos, a prophet, is the author of this book. His name means "burden" or "burden-bearer," which is fitting given the weighty messages he delivers. Unlike other prophets, Amos was not a professional prophet or priest but was called by God to deliver His message. This highlights the theme that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes.

who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa—
Amos was a sheepherder, indicating his humble origins. Tekoa was a small town located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem in the region of Judah. This rural background suggests that Amos was familiar with the hardships of agrarian life, which is reflected in his vivid imagery and metaphors. His occupation also connects him to other biblical figures like David, who was also a shepherd before becoming king.

what he saw concerning Israel
The phrase "what he saw" indicates that Amos received visions from God. These visions were concerning Israel, the northern kingdom, despite Amos being from Judah. This cross-border prophecy underscores the unity of God's people and His concern for all tribes of Israel. The content of these visions includes judgments against Israel for their social injustices and idolatry.

two years before the earthquake,
The earthquake mentioned here is a significant historical event, corroborated by archaeological findings in the region. It serves as a chronological marker, emphasizing the urgency and authenticity of Amos's message. The earthquake is also referenced in Zechariah 14:5, indicating its lasting impact on the collective memory of the people.

in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah
Uzziah's reign in Judah was marked by prosperity and military success, but also by pride and eventual downfall (2 Chronicles 26). This period of prosperity led to complacency and moral decay, setting the stage for Amos's warnings. Uzziah's reign provides a backdrop of relative stability in Judah, contrasting with the spiritual decline Amos addresses.

and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.
Jeroboam II's reign in Israel was characterized by economic prosperity and territorial expansion (2 Kings 14:23-29). However, this prosperity was accompanied by social injustice, idolatry, and corruption, which Amos vehemently condemns. The mention of Jeroboam highlights the moral and spiritual issues in Israel, despite outward success. This context underscores the prophetic theme that true security and blessing come from obedience to God, not merely economic or military strength.

He said:
This phrase introduces the prophet Amos as the speaker, conveying a message directly from God. Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, was called by God to deliver His words to Israel. This emphasizes the divine authority behind the message, as Amos speaks not on his own behalf but as a mouthpiece for the LORD.

The LORD roars from Zion
The imagery of the LORD roaring like a lion signifies power, authority, and impending judgment. Zion, a hill in Jerusalem, represents the spiritual center of Israel, where God’s presence dwells. This roar indicates that God is about to act decisively, and it echoes the lion imagery found in other prophetic books, such as Hosea 11:10 and Joel 3:16, where God’s voice is associated with both judgment and protection.

and raises His voice from Jerusalem;
Jerusalem, the political and religious capital of Israel, is the location from which God’s voice emanates. This highlights the city’s significance as the place where God’s covenant with His people is centered. The raising of His voice suggests an urgent and authoritative proclamation, underscoring the seriousness of the message.

the pastures of the shepherds mourn,
The mourning of the pastures symbolizes the devastation and desolation that will come as a result of God’s judgment. Shepherds, who rely on fertile pastures for their livelihood, will face hardship. This imagery connects to the agricultural society of ancient Israel, where the health of the land directly impacted the people’s well-being. It also reflects the broader theme of creation suffering due to human sin, as seen in passages like Romans 8:22.

and the summit of Carmel withers.
Mount Carmel, known for its lush vegetation and beauty, represents prosperity and fertility. Its withering signifies the extent of the coming judgment, affecting even the most fertile and vibrant areas. This serves as a warning of the totality of God’s judgment, reminiscent of the drought and famine themes found in other prophetic writings, such as Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18. The withering also foreshadows the spiritual barrenness that results from turning away from God.

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God. It establishes the authority and seriousness of the prophecy. The use of "LORD" in all caps signifies the covenant name of God, Yahweh, highlighting His relationship with Israel and His sovereignty over all nations.

For three transgressions of Damascus, even four:
This expression is a Hebrew idiom indicating a fullness or completeness of sin, suggesting that Damascus has committed numerous offenses. Damascus, the capital of Aram (modern-day Syria), was a significant city in the ancient Near East. The phrase implies that the sins of Damascus have reached a tipping point, warranting divine judgment.

I will not revoke My judgment:
God's decision is firm and irreversible. This underscores the certainty of the impending judgment due to the persistent and grievous nature of the sins committed. It reflects God's justice and the principle that persistent sin leads to inevitable consequences.

because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron:
This imagery describes a brutal and violent act against the people of Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River. Threshing with iron sledges suggests severe oppression and cruelty, akin to the agricultural process of separating grain from chaff. Historically, this likely refers to the Aramean invasions and the harsh treatment of the Israelites in Gilead. The metaphor highlights the inhumanity and severity of the actions that have provoked God's judgment.

So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael
This phrase indicates divine judgment. In biblical terms, "fire" often symbolizes God's wrath and purification. The "house of Hazael" refers to the dynasty of Hazael, a king of Aram (Syria) who was an adversary of Israel. Hazael's reign is noted in 2 Kings 8:7-15, where he is anointed by the prophet Elisha to become king. This judgment signifies the end of Hazael's oppressive rule and the consequences of his actions against Israel. The use of "fire" also connects to other instances of divine judgment, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24).

to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad
"Citadels" refer to fortified structures, symbolizing strength and security. The destruction of these citadels indicates the complete overthrow of Aram's power. Ben-hadad was a common name for Aramean kings, and it is likely referring to Hazael's son, who continued his father's aggressive policies against Israel. The phrase underscores the totality of God's judgment, as even the strongest defenses cannot withstand His decree. This judgment against Aram is part of a broader pattern of divine retribution against nations that opposed Israel, as seen in the prophetic books. The fall of these citadels can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over all earthly powers, as He establishes His eternal kingdom.

I will break down the gates of Damascus;
This phrase signifies God's judgment against Damascus, the capital of Aram (modern-day Syria). The "gates" symbolize the city's defenses and strength. Historically, Damascus was a significant city in the ancient Near East, known for its wealth and power. The breaking down of its gates indicates a complete overthrow and defeat. This prophecy was fulfilled when the Assyrians, under Tiglath-Pileser III, conquered Damascus in 732 BC. The imagery of breaking gates is also used in other prophetic texts to denote divine judgment and the fall of a city (e.g., Isaiah 45:2).

I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven
The "Valley of Aven" is often identified with the region of Baalbek in Lebanon, known for its idolatrous worship. The term "Aven" means "wickedness" or "vanity," suggesting a place of idolatry and false worship. Cutting off the ruler implies the removal of leadership and authority, a common theme in prophetic literature where God judges nations by removing their leaders (e.g., Isaiah 3:1-4). This reflects God's sovereignty over nations and His intolerance of idolatry.

and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden.
Beth-eden, meaning "house of pleasure" or "house of delight," is thought to be a region associated with luxury and ease, possibly located in the vicinity of modern-day Syria. The "scepter" is a symbol of royal authority and governance. By cutting off the one who wields it, God is declaring the end of the ruling power in this region. This act of judgment underscores the theme of divine retribution against those who oppose God's will and engage in idolatry and injustice.

The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,”
The exile to Kir fulfills the prophecy of judgment against Aram. Kir is believed to be a region in Mesopotamia, possibly the original homeland of the Arameans (Isaiah 22:6). This forced relocation signifies the complete subjugation and displacement of the Aramean people, a common practice by conquering empires like Assyria to prevent rebellion. The exile theme is prevalent in the Old Testament, serving as a consequence for disobedience and a tool for divine correction (e.g., the Babylonian exile of Judah).

says the LORD.
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the prophecy. The use of "says the LORD" affirms that the message is not from the prophet's own imagination but is a direct revelation from God. It underscores the certainty and inevitability of the prophecy's fulfillment. Throughout the Bible, the phrase "says the LORD" is used to authenticate the divine origin of a message, reminding the audience of God's ultimate control over history and His faithfulness to His word (e.g., Jeremiah 1:9).

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God. It underscores the authority and seriousness of the pronouncement. In the prophetic tradition, this formula is used to convey that the prophet is speaking on behalf of God, not from personal opinion.

For three transgressions of Gaza, even four:
This expression is a Hebrew idiom indicating a fullness or completeness of sin, suggesting that the sins of Gaza are numerous and have reached a tipping point. The number three signifies completeness, and adding a fourth emphasizes an overflow of iniquity. Gaza, one of the five major Philistine cities, represents the Philistine nation, known for its longstanding enmity with Israel (Judges 16:1-3, 1 Samuel 6:17).

I will not revoke My judgment:
God's decision is firm and irreversible, highlighting His justice and the certainty of the coming punishment. This reflects the biblical principle that God is patient but will ultimately hold nations accountable for their sins (Nahum 1:3).

because they exiled a whole population:
Gaza's sin involved the capture and deportation of entire communities, likely referring to slave trading or forced migration. This act of aggression and inhumanity violated the dignity and rights of individuals, which God condemns. The historical context suggests that such actions were common in ancient Near Eastern warfare, but they are particularly egregious in the eyes of God.

delivering them up to Edom:
Edom, a nation descended from Esau, often acted as an adversary to Israel (Obadiah 1:10-14). By delivering captives to Edom, Gaza not only engaged in human trafficking but also strengthened Israel's enemies. This act of betrayal and complicity in oppression is a key reason for God's judgment. The relationship between Edom and Israel is fraught with conflict, as seen in the book of Obadiah, which prophesies Edom's downfall due to its violence against Jacob.

So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza
This phrase indicates divine judgment. In biblical times, fire often symbolized God's wrath and purification. Gaza was one of the five major Philistine cities, known for its strength and strategic location. The "walls of Gaza" represent its defenses and security. Historically, the Philistines were long-time adversaries of Israel, and their cities were centers of idolatry and oppression against God's people. The sending of fire signifies a complete and devastating judgment, aligning with other prophetic declarations against nations that opposed Israel (e.g., Jeremiah 47:1-7).

to consume its citadels
Citadels were fortified areas within a city, often serving as the last line of defense and a symbol of power and authority. The destruction of Gaza's citadels implies a total overthrow of its military and political strength. This judgment reflects the broader biblical theme of God humbling the proud and powerful (Isaiah 2:12-17). The imagery of consuming fire also connects to other prophetic texts where God promises to destroy the strongholds of those who oppose His will (e.g., Amos 1:10, 1:12). This act of judgment serves as a warning to all nations about the consequences of defying God's sovereignty.

I will cut off the ruler of Ashdod
Ashdod was one of the five major Philistine cities, known for its strategic location and strong fortifications. Cutting off the ruler signifies a decisive judgment against the leadership, indicating a complete overthrow of power. Historically, Ashdod was a center of idol worship, particularly of the god Dagon, which often put it at odds with Israel. This phrase reflects God's judgment against the idolatry and oppression associated with Philistine rule.

and the one who wields the scepter in Ashkelon.
Ashkelon, another key Philistine city, was known for its wealth and trade. The scepter symbolizes authority and governance. By targeting the one who wields it, God is declaring the end of Ashkelon's political and military power. This judgment is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God opposing the proud and powerful who defy His will, as seen in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

I will turn My hand against Ekron,
Ekron was a significant Philistine city, often associated with Baal worship. Turning God's hand against Ekron implies direct divine intervention and punishment. This action is part of a pattern where God judges nations for their sins, particularly idolatry and injustice. The phrase echoes similar judgments found in the books of Isaiah and Ezekiel, where God's hand symbolizes His active role in executing justice.

and the remnant of the Philistines will perish,”
The Philistines were long-time adversaries of Israel, often engaging in battles and oppressing the Israelites. The mention of the remnant perishing indicates a total and final judgment, leaving no survivors to continue the Philistine legacy. This prophecy aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God ultimately triumphing over His enemies and establishing His justice.

says the Lord GOD.
This declaration underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. The use of "Lord GOD" emphasizes His sovereignty and covenantal relationship with Israel. It assures the audience that the prophecy is not merely a human prediction but a divine decree that will surely come to pass, reflecting the consistent biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His word.

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God. It underscores the authority and seriousness of the pronouncement. In the prophetic tradition, this formula is used to convey that the prophet is speaking on behalf of God, not from personal opinion.

For three transgressions of Tyre, even four,
This expression is a Hebrew idiom indicating a fullness or completeness of sin, suggesting that Tyre's sins are numerous and have reached a tipping point. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade. The repetition of "three... even four" is a rhetorical device used throughout Amos to emphasize the gravity of the offenses.

I will not revoke My judgment,
God's decision is firm and irreversible. This reflects the justice of God, who cannot overlook persistent sin. The certainty of divine judgment is a recurring theme in the prophetic books, highlighting God's holiness and the consequences of disobedience.

because they delivered up a whole congregation of exiles to Edom
Tyre is accused of betraying a group of people, likely Israelites, by handing them over to Edom, a neighboring nation often hostile to Israel. This act of betrayal is significant, as it involves the violation of trust and the mistreatment of vulnerable individuals. Historically, Edom and Israel had a contentious relationship, and Tyre's actions would have been seen as exacerbating this enmity.

and broke a covenant of brotherhood.
This phrase suggests that there was an agreement or understanding between Tyre and Israel that was violated. In the ancient Near East, covenants were serious commitments, often sealed with oaths and rituals. The breaking of such a covenant would be seen as a grave offense, not only against the other party but also against God, who is often invoked as a witness to covenants. This breach of trust highlights the moral and ethical failures of Tyre, contributing to the justification for divine judgment.

So I will send fire upon the walls of Tyre
This phrase indicates divine judgment. In biblical times, fire often symbolized God's wrath and purification. Tyre was a prominent Phoenician city known for its strong fortifications and wealth. The "walls of Tyre" represent its defenses and pride. Historically, Tyre was a significant maritime power, and its walls were considered impenetrable. This prophecy highlights God's sovereignty over even the most fortified cities. The judgment against Tyre is also mentioned in Ezekiel 26, where the destruction of Tyre is prophesied due to its pride and exploitation of Israel.

to consume its citadels.
Citadels refer to the fortified areas within a city, often serving as the last line of defense. The destruction of Tyre's citadels signifies total devastation and the collapse of its power. This imagery underscores the completeness of God's judgment. Historically, Tyre was besieged by several empires, including the Babylonians and later by Alexander the Great, who famously built a causeway to reach the island city. The prophecy's fulfillment is seen in these historical events, demonstrating the accuracy of biblical prophecy. The destruction of Tyre serves as a warning against pride and reliance on human strength rather than on God.

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God. It underscores the authority and seriousness of the pronouncement. In the prophetic tradition, this formula is used to convey that the prophet is merely a messenger of God's words.

For three transgressions of Edom, even four, I will not revoke My judgment:
The formula "for three transgressions, even four" is a Hebrew idiom indicating a fullness or completeness of sin, suggesting that Edom's sins are numerous and have reached a tipping point. Edom, descendants of Esau, had a long-standing enmity with Israel, descendants of Jacob. This phrase indicates that Edom's repeated offenses have led to inevitable divine judgment.

because he pursued his brother with the sword:
Edom's hostility towards Israel is highlighted here, with "brother" referring to the kinship between Esau (Edom) and Jacob (Israel). The use of the sword symbolizes violent aggression. Historically, Edom often allied with Israel's enemies, exacerbating the conflict between the two nations.

and stifled all compassion;
This phrase points to Edom's lack of mercy and empathy, violating the expected familial bonds. In the ancient Near Eastern context, kinship ties were sacred, and Edom's actions are portrayed as a betrayal of these ties.

his anger raged continually,
Edom's persistent anger is emphasized, suggesting a deep-seated, ongoing hostility. This relentless anger is seen as unjustified and excessive, contributing to their guilt.

and his fury flamed incessantly:
The imagery of unending fury conveys the intensity and destructiveness of Edom's actions. This perpetual wrath is condemned as it leads to ongoing violence and conflict. The language here reflects the broader biblical theme of the dangers of unchecked anger and vengeance.

So I will send fire upon Teman
This phrase indicates divine judgment. In biblical literature, fire often symbolizes God's wrath and purification. Teman was a region in Edom, known for its wisdom and might (Jeremiah 49:7). The sending of fire suggests a complete and consuming judgment, reflecting God's sovereignty over nations. Historically, Edom was a long-standing adversary of Israel, and this judgment underscores the consequences of their hostility.

to consume the citadels of Bozrah.
Bozrah was a major city in Edom, often associated with strength and fortification. The mention of citadels highlights the destruction of places of power and security. This prophecy aligns with other biblical passages where God judges nations for their pride and opposition to His people (Isaiah 34:6, Jeremiah 49:13). The destruction of Bozrah's citadels signifies the futility of relying on human defenses against divine judgment. This can be seen as a type of Christ's ultimate victory over all earthly powers, emphasizing the theme of divine justice and redemption.

This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing that the message comes directly from God. It underscores the authority and seriousness of the pronouncement. In the prophetic books, this formula is often used to convey that the prophet is speaking on behalf of God, not from personal opinion.

For three transgressions of the Ammonites, even four,
This expression is a Hebrew idiom indicating a fullness or completeness of sin, suggesting that the Ammonites' sins have reached a tipping point. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38) and often in conflict with Israel. The use of "three... even four" is a poetic way to emphasize the gravity and accumulation of their offenses.

I will not revoke My judgment,
God's decision is final and irrevocable, highlighting His justice and the certainty of the coming punishment. This reflects the biblical principle that God is patient but will ultimately hold nations accountable for their sins. It also aligns with the theme of divine retribution found throughout the prophetic literature.

because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead
This horrific act of violence against the most vulnerable illustrates the extreme cruelty of the Ammonites. Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, often contested by neighboring nations. Such brutality was not only a war crime but also an affront to the sanctity of life, which is a core biblical value (Genesis 9:6).

in order to enlarge their territory.
The motivation behind the atrocity was territorial expansion, reflecting the Ammonites' greed and disregard for human life. This mirrors the broader biblical narrative where nations often sought to expand their borders at the expense of others, contrary to God's desire for justice and peace among peoples. The desire for land and power often led to conflict, as seen throughout the Old Testament.

So I will kindle a fire in the walls of Rabbah
This phrase indicates divine judgment against Rabbah, the capital city of the Ammonites. The imagery of fire symbolizes destruction and purification, often used in the Old Testament to denote God's wrath (e.g., Jeremiah 21:14). Historically, Rabbah was a fortified city, and its walls represented strength and security. The prophecy of fire consuming these walls signifies the complete overthrow of Ammonite defenses, aligning with God's judgment against nations for their sins, as seen throughout the prophetic books.

to consume its citadels
Citadels were the fortified centers of ancient cities, serving as the last line of defense. The destruction of these strongholds implies total conquest and the end of Ammonite power. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God humbling the proud and powerful (Isaiah 2:12-17). Archaeological evidence from the region shows that such fortifications were common, underscoring the severity of this prophecy.

amid war cries on the day of battle
The mention of war cries evokes the chaos and terror of warfare. In the ancient Near East, battles were often accompanied by loud shouts to intimidate enemies and rally troops. This phrase suggests a decisive and overwhelming attack, possibly by the Babylonians or another rising power, as God's instrument of judgment. The "day of battle" is a motif found in other prophetic texts, symbolizing a time of divine intervention and judgment (Zephaniah 1:14-16).

and a violent wind on the day of tempest
The violent wind and tempest imagery convey the unstoppable and destructive force of God's judgment. In biblical literature, wind often symbolizes God's power and presence (Exodus 14:21, Acts 2:2). This phrase may also allude to natural disasters accompanying military defeat, emphasizing the totality of the calamity. The tempest reflects the chaos and upheaval that accompany divine retribution, resonating with the eschatological themes found in other prophetic writings (Isaiah 29:6).

Their king will go into exile—
This phrase indicates a divine judgment against the leadership of a nation. In the context of Amos, this prophecy is directed towards the Ammonites, a neighboring nation of Israel. Historically, the Ammonites were often in conflict with Israel, and their king's exile signifies a complete overthrow of their political structure. The exile of a king was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern warfare, symbolizing the total defeat and humiliation of a nation. This prophecy aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to raise and depose leaders according to His will, as seen in Daniel 2:21.

he and his princes together,
The mention of "princes" alongside the king emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the judgment. It is not only the king who will face exile but also the ruling class, indicating a total dismantling of the existing power structure. This reflects the biblical principle that leadership is accountable to God and that the sins of a nation often reflect the failures of its leaders. The collective exile of the king and his princes suggests a complete removal of the current regime, similar to the fate of other nations judged by God, such as Babylon in Isaiah 47:1-5.

says the LORD.
This phrase underscores the authority and certainty of the prophecy. It is not merely a prediction but a declaration from the LORD, the covenant name of God, indicating His personal involvement and assurance that the prophecy will be fulfilled. The use of "says the LORD" is a common prophetic formula that authenticates the message as divinely inspired. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over history and His ability to execute judgment according to His righteous standards, as seen throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament.