Amos - Chapter 3

Amos 3.1 Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, Amos 3.2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. Amos 3.3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3.4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? Amos 3.5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? Amos 3.6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Amos 3.7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3.8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy? Amos 3.9 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. Amos 3.10 For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces. Amos 3.11 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled. Amos 3.12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch. Amos 3.13 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, Amos 3.14 That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground. Amos 3.15 And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

Amos : Chapter 3

Israel's Responsibility: A Call to Reflection

Chapter 3 of the book of Amos delves deeper into the accusation against the people of Israel. What is the unique responsibility of being God's chosen people? This provocative text uses a series of rhetorical questions to emphasize the inevitability of divine judgment. It highlights the special relationship between God and Israel, and how this closeness increases their culpability.

Amos 3 also illustrates the role of the prophet as divine spokesperson. To better understand these themes of election and responsibility, we invite you to explore with us five biblical passages that enrich our reflection.

Jeremiah 25:30

“Now prophesy against them all these words and say to them: The Lord roars from on high; he thunders from his holy habitation and roars mightily against his land. He cries out like those who tread grapes against all the inhabitants of the earth. » This verse echoes the image of the lion's roar in Amos 3:8, symbolizing God's impending judgment.

Micah 3:8

"But I am filled with the power of the Spirit of the Lord, with righteousness and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. » Like Amos in Amos 3:7-8, Micah asserts his prophetic authority to denounce the sins of Israel.

Deuteronomy 7:6

"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples of the earth to be his own people for his own treasure. » This verse provides the context for Amos' statement in Amos 3:2 about Israel's special relationship with God.

Proverbs 16:18

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." » This proverb reflects Amos' warning in Amos 3:9-15 concerning Israel's imminent fall due to its pride and injustice.

Isaiah 45:7

"I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and cause disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things." » This verse refers to Amos 3:6, where Amos declares that no disaster occurs in the city unless the Lord causes it.

This journey through the Scriptures reminds us of the importance of our spiritual commitment and our responsibility to God. May these reflections nourish our faith and encourage us to live according to God's precepts.