Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
Amos 3 - The Prophet’s Necessity: God addresses the "whole family" brought out of Egypt. He explains that because He has known them intimately, He must punish them. Amos defends his prophetic calling through a series of cause-and-effect questions.
THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT
1. Exclusive Relationship: "You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you" (v. 2). Election is not an excuse for sin, but a reason for discipline.
2. Divine Revelation: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" (v. 7).
3. Total Ruin: Comparing the survival of Israel to a shepherd rescuing "two legs, or a piece of an ear" from a lion’s mouth.
Practical Lessons
PRACTICAL LESSONS
1. Walking Together: "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (v. 3). We cannot claim to be with God while walking in a different direction.
2. The Certainty of the Word: When God speaks, the prophet has no choice but to proclaim it.