PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Punishment of Israel’s Sins (3:9-4:5) |
Israel’s Sinfulness and God’s Punishment (3:1-6:14) |
The Doom of Samaria (3:9-4:3) |
Israel Warned and Threatened (3:1-6:14) |
| Israel’s Luxurious Excesses and Vain Piety | 3:12-4:3 | Against the Women of Samaria | |
| 4:1-3 (1-3) |
4:1-5 (1-5) |
4:1-3 (1-3) |
|
| Israel’s Failure to Learn | The Self-deception, Obstinacy, and Punishment of Israel | ||
| 4:4-5 (4-5) |
4:4-5 | 4:4-5 (4-5) |
|
| Israel Did not Accept Correction | |||
| 4:6-11 (6) |
4:6 (6) |
4:6-8 | 4:6 (6) |
| (7-8) | 4:7-8 (7-8) |
4:7-8 (7-8) |
|
| (9) | 4:9 (9) |
4:9 | 4:9 (9) |
| (10) | 4:10 (10) |
4:10 | 4:10 (10) |
| (11) | 4:11 (11) |
4:11-12 | 4:11 (11) |
| 4:12-13 (12) |
4:12 (12) |
4:12 (12) |
|
| Doxology | |||
| (13) | 4:13 (13) |
4:13 (13) |
4:13 (13) |
READING CYCLE THREE (see
“Bible
Interpretation Seminar”)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which
means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the
light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare
your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is
the key to following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every
paragraph has one and only one subject.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
Notice the structure of this chapter.
- Amos addresses the wealthy women of Israel (i.e., all exploitative elements of Israeli society),
Amos 4:1-3 - YHWH’s sarcastic response to their religiosity, Amos 4:4-5
- YHWH’s sending of the covenant curses of Deut. 27-29, but they still will
not repent, Amos 4:6-11 - YHWH’s threat of personal, temporal visitation, Amos 4:12
- Amos’ doxology to God as creator, and therefore, rightful judge, Amos 4:13
- This brief outline shows the problem of how to analyze a prophet’s poetic
message. It is difficult to tell when the prophet comments and when he quotes the message of
YHWH given to him. The revelation is so overpowering that the words of the prophet are merged
with the words of YHWH! Outlining the message is less significant than allowing the whole
message to impact the reader’s consciousness!
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: AMOS 4:1-3
1Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on the mountain of Samaria,
Who oppress the poor, who crush the needy,
Who say to your husbands, “Bring now, that we may drink!”
2The Lord God has sworn by His holiness,
“Behold, the days are coming upon you
When they will take you away with meat hooks,
And the last of you with fish hooks.
3You will go out through breaches in the walls,
Each one straight before her,
And you will be cast to Harmon,” declares the Lord.
4:1 “Hear this word” The VERB (BDB 1033, KB 1570) is a Qal IMPERATIVE
(see note at Amos 3:1. The VERB is also used at Amos 5:1). This prophetic formula is seen several times
in Amos (e.g., Amos 3:1; 4:1; 5:1). This is God’s message to His people. Covenant violations result in covenant
judgments (cf. Deut. 27-29).
▣ “Cows of Bashan” This is Amos’ rural reference to the elegant society women who
abused the poor for their own luxury. Bashan was an area northwest of the Sea of Galilee from the
mountains of Herman to the Yarmuk River. It was famous for its beautiful cattle (i.e., the wives of the
wealthy). This may not have been a negative statement, but a metaphor of well kept and well fed,
pampered cattle. Being pampered has turned into demands gained at the expense of the poor (BDB 195)!
On the other hand, it may refer to fattened cattle, ready to be slaughtered! Amos uses several rural
metaphors from his personal experience as a sheep herder.
There is still another possibility, that these refer to cultic sexual partners.
- not called “wives”
- said to be on the mountain of Samaria (possible reference to the raised altar at Bethel)
- their men not called “husbands,” but “lords” (Amos 4:1c)
- cows seen as gods of fertility and strength in Egypt and early Israel (cf. Exodus 32). They also
became a symbol for Ba’al (i.e., the golden calves of Jeroboam I at Dan and Bethel). - cultic sexual acts may be alluded to in Amos 2:7-8. God swearing by His own holiness may refer to 2:7d.
▣ “on the mountain of Samaria” This refers to the well fortified capital of Israel, which Omri
built on the top of a mesa. It had steep cliffs and only one natural entrance.
▣ “Who oppress the poor, who crush the needy” These two Qal PARTICIPLES
(BDB 798, KB 897 and BDB 954, KB 1285) are parallel and describe the actions of the wealthy women. YHWH
is uniquely (i.e., compared to other ANE law codes) concerned about the plight of these
people (especially Deuteronomy, “the orphan and the widow. . .the alien,” cf. Deut. 10:18; 14:29; 16:11; 24:14,17,19;
26:12,13; 27:19).
This then is another allusion to the Mosaic Covenant. The prophets did not invent or
introduce a new ethical system, but reemphasized the Mosaic covenant requirements (cf. Jer. 7:6) with their
blessings and curses (i.e., Deuteronomy 27-29)!
▣ “say to your husband” This is not the formal term for husband. It is a rare ancient form
which meant “lord” (BDB 10); here used in the sense of “husband” (e.g., Gen. 18:12; Jdg. 19:26-27). Irony
is being expressed; “the lords” are being commanded!
▣ “Bring now, that we may drink” This phrase has two VERBS of command
(BDB 97, KB 112, Hiphal IMPERATIVE and BDB 1059, KB 1667, Qal
COHORTATIVE). These women had been indulging in luxury to the point that alcoholism
and greed were the normal way of life. Their motto would have been “more and more for me at any cost!”
SPECIAL TOPIC: ALCOHOL AND
ALCOHOL ABUSE
4:2 “the Lord God has sworn by His holiness” The VERB
(BDB 989, KB 1396) is a Niphal PERFECT. This is a rare and serious statement that speaks
of God swearing by Himself (cf. Amos 6:8; Ps. 89:35). YHWH is an ethical God. Loving and just relationships are
required, not only with Him, but with other covenant partners. True biblical faith has both a horizontal aspect
(God) and a vertical aspect (others).
▣ “the days are coming” This is a reference to judgment day. See full note at Amos 2:16. It is
referred to as
- “in that day,” Amos 2:16; 8:3, 9, 13; 9:11
- “the day of the Lord” in Amos 5:18 and 20
This motif is common in the latter prophets. Israel viewed YHWH’s visitation as a day of God’s
blessing, but Amos reveals it as a day of wrath and judgment.
| ▣ | |
| NASB | ”meat with hooks. . .fish hooks” |
| NKJV | ”fishhooks. . .fish hooks” |
| NRSV | ”hooks. . .fish hooks” |
| TEV | ”hooks. . .a fish on a hook” |
| NJB, Young’s Lit. | ”hooks. . .fish-hooks” |
| JPSOA | ”in baskets. . .in fish baskets” |
The first term (BDB 856 I, KB 1036) for “hooks” is found only here in the OT. It seems
to be related to the Hebrew root for “thorn,” “spike,” or “spear.” Apparently these fancy society women
and their children will have a hook placed in their lower lip by Assyrian soldiers and they will be marched
out of the city naked (LXX) in single file, tied to one another as a train of unruly cattle.
The second term (BDB 186, KB 215) relates to fishing gear of some type. Because of
the paralleling, “hooks” seems best. Jeremiah (cf. Jer. 16:16) uses “fishing” as a metaphor for judgment. The
question one asks of this verse is, “Is it metaphorical or literal?” Assyria did use hooks or rings in the lower
lip to tie refugees together during deportation marches as an intimidation factor (cf. 2 Chr. 33:11 of
Assyrians and Hab. 1:15 of Babylonians).
The REB translates both of these terms differently. The first as “shields,” which is
similar to the way the ancient versions translated the term.
- LXX ‒ “weapons”
- Peshitta ‒ “weapons”
The second term is translated as “fish-baskets” (cf. NET Bible). The LXX has
“boiling caldrons.” Because the Hebrew roots are so rare, the meaning is uncertain and similar roots
and cognates are used to try to fit the historical and literary context. The main point is a violent and
humiliating deportation!
For me, since the context addresses the “cows of Bashan” and since Amos has a
rural background, the terms should probably relate to cattle herding. It is possible that Amos changes
metaphors, but because the Hebrew terms are rare, then “prod” and “hook” for controlling and moving
cattle, seem best.
▣ “and the last of you” The word “last” (BDB 31) can refer to
- every last one of you (cf. Amos 1:8; 8:10; 9:1)
- a small remnant
- descendants or posterity
The context implies #1.
4:3 “straight before” The phrase “straight before” is a metaphor for the complete destruction
of the protective city wall. The population was tied together in single file and exiled to a distant location
to the east.
| ▣ | |
| NASB | ”cast to Harmon” |
| NKJV | ”cast into Harmon” |
| NRSV | ”flung out into Harmon” |
| TEV | ”thrown out” (word omitted) |
| NJB | ”herded away toward Harmon” |
| NAB | ”cast into the mire” |
| JPSOA | ”flung on the refuse heap” |
| REB | ”thrown on a dung hill” |
This VERB (BDB 1020, KB 1527, Hiphil PERFECT with waw) often
has the connotation of God casting a sinner from His presence (cf. 2 Kgs. 17:20; 24:20; Ps. 51:11; 71:9; 102:10;
Jer. 7:15). However, its use as a positive covenant promise is found in 2 Kgs. 13:23. Although the immediate
context of Amos refers to Assyrian exile, the term itself has the implication of divine wrath. Assyria exiled Israel
because of their sin and YHWH’s judgment, not Assyria’s innate power!
There have been several theories as to the meaning/wording of this phrase.
- It is a place name of unknown location. The LXX calls it the mountain of Rimmon or Romman.
- It is a misspelling of Mount Hermon (cf. NJB and UBS, Translator’s Handbook, p. 234) and,
therefore, a parallel to the later phrase “beyond Damascus,” 5:27, which meant on the way to exile in Assyria. - The JPSOA and the REB have emendated the Hebrew text to a similar Hebrew term (BDB 199) “dung
heap” (cf. Isa. 25:10), which in this context would refer to the place of disposing of the dead bodies
(the “hooks” then would be for dragging away the dead bodies). Their translation reads “and flung on the refuse heap.” - An Aramaic Targum and some later Syrian translations have “beyond the mountains of Armenia,”
which also parallels 5:27. - It is possible to divide the Hebrew text differently and get “cast out, O mountain of oppression”
(cf. NIV STUDY BIBLE footnote, p. 1352).
The MT is reflected in the NASB translation. The UBS Text Project, p. 281, gives it a “C” rating
(considerable doubt).
▣ “declares the Lord“ This recurrent phrase, Amos 1:5,8,15; 2:3,11,16;
3:10,13,14; 4:3,5,6,8,10,11 and 5:17, shows whose authority, power and prestige stand behind these statements.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: AMOS 4:4-5
4“Enter Bethel and transgress;
In Gilgal multiply transgression!
Bring your sacrifices every morning,
Your tithes every three days.
5Offer a thank offering also from that which is leavened,
And proclaim freewill offerings, make them known.
For so you love to do, you sons of Israel,”
Declares the Lord God.
4:4 “enter” This (BDB 97, KB 112) is a Qal IMPERATIVE. Verses 4 and 5
have a series of IMPERATIVES (3 Qal IMPERATIVES; 3 Hiphil
IMPERATIVES).
▣ “Bethel. . .Gilgal” These were early cultic centers (Bethel, Gen. 12:8; 28:10-22 and
Gilgal, Joshua 4). They were popular worship sites in the eighth century B.C. (cf. Hos. 4:15;
9:15 and 12:11). Verses 4 and 5 are highly sarcastic (cf. Amos 5:5-6).
It is possible that YHWH’s sarcastic statements in Amos 4:4-5 were due to
- Israel’s love of formal worship rituals, but evil lifestyles
- their condemnation by the prophets when God chose Jerusalem as the central sanctuary
(e.g., Deut. 12:5,11,13,14,18,26; 14:23,24,25; 16:2,6,7,16).
In context option #1 is best.
It is difficult to be certain which Gilgal is referenced here. There are possibly four different
Gilgals (i.e., “circle” of stones; see The Anchor Bible Dictionary, vol. 2, pp. 1022-23). Hard Sayings of
the Bible asserts that this site is close to Bethel (Anchor Dictionary #2), not the one mentioned in
Joshua 4 (p. 330).
▣ “Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days” There are three theories
about this verse:
- it shows their excessive religiosity
- it shows the normal worship practices of the pilgrims as they attend these shrines
(i.e., arrived one day, offer a sacrifice the second, and the tithe on the third day, cf. REB) - the tithes refers to the third year tithe for local poor (i.e., another allusion to the Mosaic
covenant, cf. Deut. 14:28; 26:12, “days” would then be a reference to “years”)
SPECIAL TOPIC: TITHES IN THE
MOSAIC LEGISLATION
4:5 “a thank offering also from that which is leavened” There are two theories concerning this phrase:
- leaven was forbidden and, therefore, shows their perversion (cf. Exod. 23:18; 34:15; Lev. 2:11; 6:17)
- it should be understood as “bread offering” (cf. NRSV, TEV), which was not required, but showed extra devotion
Leviticus 7:13 allows leaven in a fellowship sacrifice. It is not always a metaphor of evil.
▣ “proclaim. . .make them known” The VERBS are a Qal
IMPERATIVE (BDB 894, KB 1128) and a Hiphil IMPERATIVE (BDB 1033,
KB 1570). Their worship activities were an ostentatious public display of religiosity (cf. Matt. 6:2).
▣ “For so you love to do, you sons of Israel” Multiplied, eloquent ritual had become the
essence of their faith, not social justice based on their personal faith in YHWH. They wanted to flaunt
their religiosity before each other! A faith cut off from daily life!
▣ “Declares the Lord God“ See note at Amos 3:1.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: AMOS 4:6-13
6“But I gave you also cleanness of teeth in all your cities
And lack of bread in all your places,
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the Lord.
7Furthermore, I withheld the rain from you
While there were still three months until harvest.
Then I would send rain on one city
And on another city I would not send rain;
One part would be rained on,
While the part not rained on would dry up.
8So two or three cities would stagger to another city to drink water,
But would not be satisfied;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the Lord.
9I smote you with scorching wind and mildew;
And the caterpillar was devouring
Your many gardens and vineyards, fig trees and olive trees;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the Lord.
10I sent a plague among you after the manner of Egypt;
I slew your young men by the sword along with your captured horses,
And I made the stench of your camp rise up in your nostrils;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the Lord.
11I overthrew you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
And you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” declares the Lord.
12Therefore thus I will do to you, O Israel;
Because I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel.”
13For behold, He who forms mountains and creates the wind
And declares to man what are His thoughts,
He who makes dawn into darkness
And treads on the high places of the earth,
The Lord God of hosts is His name.
4:6-11 These verses describe a series of calamities (curses) that will befall Israel because of
her rejection of God’s covenant (cf. Deut. 27-29). These God-sent judgments include
- no food, Amos 4:6 (cf. Deut. 28:16-17)
- no rain, Amos 4:7-8 (cf. Deut. 28:23-24)
- dry wind, Amos 4:9
- dry rot, Amos 4:9 (cf. Deut. 28:22)
- insects, Amos 4:9 (cf. Deut. 28:21,38-39)
- plague, Amos 4:10
- war, Amos 4:10 (cf. Deut. 28:22,49-52)
4:6 The first two lines of poetry are parallel. Cleanness of teeth is not a dental problem, but a result
of no food to eat!
The PRONOUN “I” is emphasized. It is YHWH Himself who “sends”
(BDB 678, KB 733, Qal PERFECT) these covenant curses (cf. Deut. 27-29).
▣ “I gave you” The “I” is emphatic. God sent these disasters to bring His people back to the covenant.
▣ “Yet you have not returned to Me” The purpose of these calamities was redemptive
(cf. Amos 4:6,8,9,19,11), not just punitive. The essence of repentance is both a change of mind (Greek term)
followed by a change of action (Hebrew term, e.g., Jer. 3:22-4:2).
SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (OT)
SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE (NT)
4:7 “I withheld the rain” The first two lines refer to the later rains just before the maturing of
the crops in March and April. Fertility is controlled by YHWH, not Ba’al!
▣ Lines 3-6 are a theological way of asserting God’s control over nature (cf. Amos 4:8). He
is able to direct the curses (cf. Lev. 26:19; Deut. 28:12,23-24) to certain cities and/or localities. This is
similar to the Egyptian plagues. The first nine fell on the land of Egypt, but not where the Hebrews
lived in Goshen.
4:8 This verse continues the emphasis of Amos 4:7. Cities are personified as seeking water, but
they cannot find enough to sustain life.
The term “stagger” (BDB 631, KB 681, Qal PERFECT with waw)
has the connotation of staggering or wandering as a result of God’s judgment (cf. Amos 8:12; Gen. 4:12,14;
Num. 32:13; Jer. 14:10; Lam. 4:15).
▣ “Yet you have not returned to Me” This is a repeated call for repentance (cf. Amos 4:6,8,9,10,11).
Notice the personal emphasis, they are to return to God, their God. He had made a covenant
uniquely with them (cf. Amos 4:2). Their part was devotion and obedience. The purpose of creation was fellowship.
God wanted a personal being like Himself (cf. Gen. 1:26-27) to have a relationship with. This fellowship/relationship
must conform to the nature and character of God. The fracture of this intimate fellowship is the essence of the Fall
(cf. Genesis 3) and the goal of redemption (i.e., the restoration of the image of God damaged in human rebellion).
| 4:9 | |
| NASB | ”scorching wind“ |
| NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA | ”blight” |
| TEV | ”scorching wind” |
| REB | ”black blight” |
| LXX | ”fever” |
BDB (995) defines this as “smut on crops” and gives Deut. 28:22; 1 Kgs. 8:37;
2 Chr. 6:28; and Haggai 2:17 as examples. However, Holladay’s Lexicon (361) defines it as
“scorching” and gives the same examples. The NASB and TEV understand this as referring to the
hot desert wind known as “the sirocco” (e.g., Gen. 41:6,23,27).
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, JPSOA, Peshitta | ”mildew” |
| REB | ”red blight” |
| LXX | ”jaundice” |
| NET Bible | ”disease” |
This word (BDB 439, KB 440) is paired with the above word in all examples. BDB
translated it “rust.” The term also means “paleness” (i.e., imagery of childbirth, cf. Jer. 30:6). Here it is not the
mildew caused by too much humidity, but the yellowish powdery kind caused by lack of humidity.
▣ “the caterpillar” Insect infestation (i.e., locusts [BDB 160], cf. Joel 1:4; 2:25) as a judgment
from YHWH for breaking the covenant can be seen in Deut. 28:38-40,42. The infestation could be
- the locusts themselves
- their larvae
4:10 “I sent a plague among you after the manner of Egypt” The term “plague” (BDB 184) is used of:
- one of the Egyptian plagues in Exod. 9:3,15
- a threat of God’s judgment on His own peope in Exod. 5:3; Lev. 26:23-25; Num. 14:12; Deut. 28:21.
It is interesting that the Hebrew consonants for “plague” are the same for God’s “word.” There
may be an intentional word play. The Israelites neglected God’s “word” and thereby reaped God’s “plague.” A
return to Him and His word would abundantly restore and multiply!
▣ “along with your captured horses” This would refer to military equipment, but it can be
understood in two ways:
- they thought their victories, which resulted in the capture of horses and chariots would give
them greater strength, but God took all of it away (NEB) - the enemy captured their horses and left them without military might (cf. NRSV, TEV, NJB)
Most English translations use option #2.
▣ “the stench of your camp” This refers to the unburied bodies (cf. Isa. 34:3) of the young
Israeli men who died in battle.
▣ “rise up in your nostrils” This may simply be a description of the rotting corpses of the
dead or it is just possible it is another allusion to the Mosaic covenant. One metaphor used of YHWH
favorably receiving an offering was “a soothing aroma” (cf. Gen. 8:21; Exod. 29:18,25,41; and many times
in Leviticus and Numbers). A good example of a negative use is Exod. 5:21.
4:11 “I overthrew you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” The VERB
(BDB 245, KB 253, Qal PERFECT) is used of God’s judgment, both temporal
(cf. Gen. 19:25; 2 Kgs. 21:13; Jer. 20:16) and eschatological (cf. Hag. 2:21-22). It speaks of the total
destruction of two entire cities by natural or supernatural means. To refer to Israel in the same way
as the immoral “cities of the Plain” would have been a shocking insult to these Covenant People. It is
another allusion to Deuteronomy 27-29 (esp. 29:23).
▣ “And you were like a firebrand snatched from a blaze” In context the TEV translation seems
correct in seeing this as an additional message to the few survivors of God’s fiery judgment (cf. Zech. 3:20), but
even after all of these covenantal curses (cf. Deuteronomy 27-29) they would not return (i.e., repent) to Him. God had
tried and tried again to reach them through disasters, but they would not. Only complete judgment is left! This
verse, like 3:12, denotes total destruction. Only in Amos 9:8-15 is there a future hope!
▣ “firebrand” The root (BDB 15) originally meant “to be bent” or “curved.” It came to be
used of a stick used to stir a fire (cf. Isa. 7:4; Zech. 3:2).
▣ “Yet you have not returned to Me, declares the Lord“ See note at Amos 4:6.
4:12 “Prepare to meet your God, O Israel” The VERB (BDB 465, KB 464) is a Niphal
IMPERATIVE plus a Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT. It often is used of spiritual
preparation to meet God (cf. 1 Sam. 7:3; 2 Chr. 12:14; 27:6; Ezra 7:10). This meeting could have been positive
(cf. Exod. 19:11-17), but their sin had turned God’s visit into covenant judgment (cf. Amos 5:18-20).
There is an interesting alternate understanding of this verse which sees Elohim, not as
referring to YHWH the covenant name or Elohim as the Gen. 1 name for God as creator, but as referring
to the “gods” (i.e., false fertility gods) of Israel (cf. Amos 5:26; 8:14; also esp. 1 Kgs. 12:28). The term Elohim
is not used by itself to refer to Israel’s God in Amos. Only the combined name YHWH Elohim (cf. Gen. 2:4) is
used. Joel and Amos (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), by David Allan Hubbard, mentions a possible
alternate translation which does not change the Hebrew consonants (i.e., “prepare to call your gods, O Israel,”
cf. G. W. Ramsey, JBL, 89, pp. 187-191) p. 162.
If so then the doxology of Amos 4:13 is a sharp contrast to the claims of the false gods which
Israel was worshiping in YHWH’s name (cf. cultic partners of Amos 4:1-3, along with 5:26; 8:14, and the book of Hosea).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C.
4:13 This verse seems to be poetic liturgy, doxology, or an early hymn to God as Creator, and thereby,
Judge. Amos has several of these powerful doxological praises (cf. Amos 5:8,8; 9:5-6).
▣ “forms” This VERB (BDB 427, KB 428, Qal PARTICIPLE)
is from the concept of a potter forming clay (e.g., Gen. 2:7,19; Isa. 29:19; 45:15; Jer. 33:2).
▣ “mountains” Mountains were a symbol of strength and permanency.
▣ “creates” This VERB, bara (BDB 135, KB 153, Qal PARTICIPLE)
is parallel to “forms.” This VERB is used exclusively of God’s creative activity. Its basic meaning is
“to form or shape by cutting.”
▣ “wind” This Hebrew term (BDB 924) can mean “wind,” “breath,” or “spirit.” Here the context
implies a contrast between the physical and the spiritual realms (mountains versus spirit).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BREATH, WIND, SPIRIT
▣ “And declares to man what are His thoughts” The Hebrew text is singular, “His thought,” which
refers to God’s will. This seems to refer to:
- God’s special covenant relationship to the Patriarchs and their descendants (cf. Amos 3:2)
- God’s desire to communicate with His highest creation, mankind (cf. Gen. 1:26,27; 12:3).
- It is possible that the PRONOUN “his” refers to mankind. Several OT texts speak
of God as knowing individual human thoughts (e.g., Job 34:21-23; Ps. 94:11;[1 Chr. 3:20]; Jer. 11:20; 17:10).
Even rebellious, fallen mankind can know God, not exhaustively, but adequately for fellowship. Sin
is that which destroys this desire for God (i.e., human independence)! God is not just creator, He is friend and companion!
▣ “He who makes dawn into darkness” This can be understood in several ways.
- another allusion to Gen. 1-2 (i.e., (1) God as creator [cf. LXX] or (2) the natural order of nature, cf. Amos 5:9)
- contextually related to the previous line of poetry and thereby refers to God’s revelation. Spiritual truth
is not a human discovery, but a divine revelation. - a way of asserting God’s judgment on Israel (cf. Amos 5:8,20; Jer. 13:16; Joel 2:2)
- the parallel of Amos 5:8 (another doxology of YHWH as creator) shows the power of God over His creation
▣ “treads on the high places of the earth” This may be another connection with Deuteronomy
(i.e., Mosaic Covenant, cf. Deut. 32:13). It is a metaphor for asserting God as creator (cf. Job 9:8). In Isa. 58:4 and
Hab. 3:19 it was a way of referring to the blessings of God on His people.
This term bamah was associated with the worship of Ba’al (cf. Amos 2:7-8) on the
top of hills (e.g., Hos. 4:13; see Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, vol. 1, pp. 284-288). This may be another
way of rejecting the worship of Canaanite fertility gods and asserting YHWH’s care and provision.
▣ “the Lord God of hosts is His name” This is similar to 3:13. Amos has
spoken of the God of creation, fertility, and judgment based on the Covenant. He now states specifically and
unambiguously who that deity is, YHWH of Israel (cf. Amos 5:8b).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own
interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation.
You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of
the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
- What is the emphasis of Amos 3:2-8?
- Why are the prophets so upset over the cultic activity at Bethel and Gilgal?
- Why is the religiosity of Amos 4:4-5 condemned?
- What is the purpose of God sending calamities on His people?
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