Welcome to the Bible study on the book of Amos, chapter 3:1-15

Verse 1: “Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt.”

In this verse, the prophet Amos begins by addressing the people of Israel and reminding them that the message he is about to deliver is from the LORD. He points out that this message is directed against the entire nation, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Verse 2: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”

Amos emphasizes that GOD has a special relationship with the nation of Israel, having chosen them out of all the families of the earth. This relationship also means that Israel will be held accountable for their disobedience and their iniquities will not go unpunished.

Verse 3: “Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?”

Amos uses a rhetorical question to illustrate the point that for two people to walk together, they must be in agreement and have a common purpose. Similarly, the relationship between GOD and Israel requires mutual faithfulness and obedience.

Verse 4: “Does a lion roar in the forest, when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from its den, if it has caught nothing?”

Amos uses the analogy of a lion to illustrate the inevitability of the consequences for Israel’s actions. Just as a lion roars when it has found its prey, so too will there be consequences for Israel’s disobedience.

Verse 5: “Does a bird fall into a snare on the earth, when there is no trap for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when it has taken nothing?”

Amos continues to use nature as a metaphor to illustrate that there are consequences for actions. Just as a bird does not fall into a trap without there being a snare, so too will Israel face consequences for their actions.

Verse 6: “Is a trumpet blown in a city, and the people are not afraid? Does disaster come to a city, unless the LORD has done it?”

Amos emphasizes that just as a trumpet blast warns of impending danger, so too do the disasters that come upon a city indicate the LORD’S involvement. This serves as a warning to the people of Israel to pay attention to their actions and their relationship with GOD.

Verses 7-8: “For the LORD GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion has roared; who will not fear? The LORD GOD has spoken; who can but prophesy?”

Amos reminds the people that GOD always warns before he brings judgment, and the prophets are the messengers through whom GOD reveals his plans. He emphasizes that when the Lord speaks, there is no choice but to prophesy and warn the people of the impending judgment.

Verses 9-10: “Proclaim to the strongholds in Ashdod and to the strongholds in the land of Egypt, and say, ‘Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see the great tumults within her, and the oppressed in her midst.'”

Amos calls upon the surrounding nations to witness the tumult and oppression within Samaria. He challenges them to see for themselves the injustices and disobedience taking place in Israel.

Verses 11-12: “For they do not know how to do right, says the Lord, those who store up violence and robbery in their strongholds. Therefore, thus says the LORD GOD: An adversary shall surround the land, and strip you of your defense, and your strongholds shall be plundered.”

Amos condemns the people of Israel for their injustice and violence and declares that they will face the consequences. He warns that their strongholds will be plundered and does not mince words about the punishment that awaits them.

Verses 13-15: “The time is surely coming, says the LORD, when the one who plows shall overtake the one who reaps, and the treader of grapes the one who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it. I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.”

Amos concludes with a message of hope, declaring that a time will come when the fortunes of Israel will be restored. The nation will be rebuilt, and the people will once again enjoy the abundance of the land. This message serves as a reminder that even in the midst of judgment, GOD’S ultimate plan is one of restoration.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD ALMIGHTY HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before you today with humble hearts, seeking your guidance and wisdom. We know that you are a sovereign, reigning GOD who speaks, and we long to hear your voice. As we meditate on the words of Amos 3, we are reminded of Your faithfulness to warn and instruct Your people. Help us to be attentive to Your warnings and heed Your instructions, so that we may walk in the ways of righteousness and holiness.
May we be a people who seek justice and love mercy, just as You have commanded us. Open our ears to hear the cries of the oppressed and our hearts to respond with compassion and action. We pray for the strength to be bold and courageous in speaking out against injustice and standing up for the marginalized. Give us the wisdom to discern truth from lies and the discernment to know how to respond to the challenges we face. May we live lives that reflect Your infinite love and grace, and may our actions bring glory to Your name. We trust in Your promise to be with us always, and we thank You for the assurance of Your presence.
We pray all these things throughout the mighty glorious fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

As we conclude our study of Amos 3, let us meditate on the truths we have uncovered and commit to living lives of obedience and boldness in our walk with the LORD. Thank you for joining me, and may GOD bless you as you continue to grow in your faith.

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER