The calling from the Lord

Amos testifies how he began his ministry as a prophet and refutes Amaziah’s abusive words. (1) It says, “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet.” That is, he means that he was not born as a prophet’s son, nor was he trained in a school of prophets (a training institution established by Elijah and Elisha). (2) It says, “I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs.” This shows that Amos was not in financial need and that he had no need to become a prophet for money. (3) While Amos was engaged in that work, the Lord called him and appointed him as a prophet. The reason he ministered as a prophet was that there was the Lord’s calling: “Go, prophesy to My people Israel.”

A message to Amaziah the priest

In 2:12 it says, “But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and you commanded the prophets, saying, ‘You shall not prophesy!’” Amaziah the priest, who forbade Amos to prophesy, was committing exactly this sin. Therefore, Amos declares a personal message to Amaziah (v 16-17). (1) His wife will become a prostitute in the city (to be abused by enemy soldiers). (2) His children will be killed in war. (3) His land will be divided up by invading foreigners. (4) He himself will also become a captive and be killed in a foreign land. (5) The northern kingdom of Israel will become a people in captivity and be led away to a foreign land. These prophecies are about to be fulfilled at any moment. When they are fulfilled, Amaziah will come to know that Amos was a true prophet. It is a fearful thing not to listen to the messages of leaders who are speaking the word of the Lord. It is foolish to realize the seriousness of one’s sin only after tragedy has come upon oneself. A wise person knows to fear God. “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns us from heaven” (Heb. 12:25).