Amos 3

“v1”

The prophesy is against Israel, but Judah needs to understand the same thing. Read the signs of the times.

“v2”

Jesus echos this in Luke 12:48 “48 but the one who did not know it, and committed acts deserving of a beating, will receive only a few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.” Election is not our fortress.

“Know” mean know in the Biblical sense, like Adam knew Eve and Eve got pregnant.

“Lion”

Amos 1:2 “2 And he said, “The Lord roars from Zion”” Mixed with Amos 3:4 “4 Does a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Does a young lion growl from his den unless he has captured something?” Continues with Amos 3:8 “8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear?” Finishes with Amos 3:12 “12 This is what the Lord says: “Just as the shepherd snatches from the lion’s mouth a couple of legs or a piece of an ear, So will the sons of Israel living in Samaria be snatched away— With the corner of a bed and the cover of a couch!”

The lion has been revealed as a predator of Israel, not a protector.

“v3-6”

Possibly a progression of Israel’s relationship with God.

“disaster” means evil.

In the context, v6 seems to be talking about disaster’s occurring in Israel. But I believe it can be generalized as well.

Any option that God didn’t cause it is explicitly removed. “It just happened and God didn’t stop it” can’t be used here.

The idea of God being the driving force behind all disasters is comforted by verse 7. Is it possible that every disaster is fore-warned but we just don’t listen?

“v7-8”

Amos 3:7 “7 Certainly the Lord God does nothing Unless He reveals His secret plan To His servants the prophets.” Contrast with Amos 2:12 “12 “But you made the Nazirites drink wine, And you commanded the prophets, saying, ‘You shall not prophesy!’”

These verses are actually verses of comfort. The disaster hasn’t come yet, there’s still a time for repentance. The lion has roared, so the prey hasn’t been seized yet.

“Who can but prophesy?” reminds us that we who know the Gospel can’t but share it. But more than that, we have to share everything God does.

“v9-10”

Surprising because God is calling the Philistines and Egyptians to witness him against Israel. Probably the entire section, including v13, is directed to pagans but meant for Israel to hear. Adds insult to injury because God calls “pagans” to judge us. It’s like the Taliban or Al-Queda judging America for its slavery. Besides, God’s mercy is great, but Israel would expect no mercy from the Philistines’ judgment.

“mountains of Samaria” surround the city, like the hills around Kathmandu.

“unrest” reminds me of Nepal’s protests. “oppression, plundered, looted.” Most likely, plundered and looted their own people.

“v11-12”

“a couple of legs or a piece of an ear” refer to the shepherd’s responsibility to present proof of the destruction, not an attempt to save a remnant. “corner of a bed and cover of a couch” refer to Israel’s luxuries.

“v13-15”

People held on to the horns of the altar for safety. See 1 Kings 1:51 “51 Now it was reported to Solomon, saying, “Behold, Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon, for behold, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘May King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’ ””

Winter and summer houses refer to luxury. Ivory could refer to luxury but also idolatry, as ivory was imported to Israel from Egypt, Tyre, and Syria. Multiple homes gives increased validity to the interpretation that the rich were stealing the poor’s land Amos 2:6 “6 This is what the Lord says: “For three offenses of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke its punishment, Because they sell the righteous for money, And the needy for a pair of sandals.”

Major Themes

God the lion is a predator, not a protector. Jesus saves us from God’s wrath. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 “10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who rescues us from the wrath to come.”

Justice for the poor and oppressed. Again, caste a huge factor in our country.

God’s opposition to ill-gotten wealth still invites us to understand that we cannot serve God and money. Raising funds carries a holy responsibility, but all money is still to be managed in such a way that we can return it to God with a clear conscience.

Applications

“Who can but share the gospel?”

Obey God

Trust God, not your election

Help the poor, oppressed, low-caste

How can you increase your listening to God?

God can speak through

God’s Word

Other people

The Holy Spirit

Circumstances

Things we can do

Quiet/Digital Detox

Keep a journal

Listen to your conscience

Be with God physically, emotionally, and spiritually

Confirm with others

Expect God to speak, but do not demand it

Practice it with set times and embarrassing failures

Read the books

Obey Him