The prophecy of judgement that begins with “Hear this word” (1)

Today’s passage is the latter half of the prophecy of judgment that begins with “Hear this word” (1). Last time (3:1-10), three sins of the people of Israel were pointed out. In today’s passage, the judgment that will come because of those sins is specifically prophesied. (1) First, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria, will be destroyed. By the hand of the enemy, the palaces of Samaria will be plundered. (2) Next, it is prophesied that only a few among the people of Israel will escape that destruction. It depicts a shepherd trying to recover a sheep that has been attacked by a lion. That shepherd can recover only two legs or an earlobe. “Two legs” and “an earlobe” are figurative expressions for the few who escape destruction (the sons of Israel who live in Samaria). (3) Bethel, a city of idol worship, will be judged. Along with Dan, it was a city of idol worship in the northern kingdom of Israel. At its altars, not only the golden calf but also the god Baal was worshiped. (4) Israel’s wealth will be taken away. King Ahab owned, besides the palace in Samaria, a winter residence and a summer residence. He was also known for building houses of ivory. The wealth of the northern kingdom of Israel, represented by those buildings, will all be taken away. The fulfillment of these things is recorded in 2 Kings 17:5-6.

The warning to us

There is a “cause-and-effect relationship” in things. The reason the people of Israel are judged is that they turned away from the Lord and were walking in the ways of idolatry and unrighteousness. In the previous passage, Amos said, “A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can do anything but prophesy?” (v 8). Here, the prophet’s sense of mission, passion, indignation, sorrow, and urgency are all expressed. Where do you think our present age is headed? Is it in the direction of receiving God’s blessing, or the opposite? Let us ask the Lord now that we may be given the sense of mission and passion that Amos had. Let us pray that the words, “The Lord God has spoken! Who can do anything but speak?” will become our own.