Can two
The phrase "Can two" introduces a rhetorical question that sets the stage for a discussion on unity and agreement. In the Hebrew text, the word for "two" is "שְׁנַיִם" (shenayim), which emphasizes the concept of partnership or companionship. This opening phrase suggests the necessity of mutual consent and cooperation in any relationship or endeavor. In the context of ancient Israel, this would resonate with the idea of covenant relationships, both with God and among His people.

walk together
The Hebrew word for "walk" is "יֵלְכוּ" (yelechu), which implies a journey or a continuous action. Walking together signifies a shared path or purpose. In biblical times, walking was the primary mode of travel, symbolizing a shared life journey. This phrase suggests not just physical proximity but also a spiritual and moral alignment. The imagery of walking together is often used in Scripture to describe a relationship with God, as seen in Genesis 5:24, where Enoch "walked with God."

without agreeing
The term "agreeing" comes from the Hebrew "נוֹעָדוּ" (noadu), which means to meet or to appoint. This implies a deliberate decision or a mutual understanding. The concept of agreement here is not merely about consensus but about a deep, intentional commitment to a shared goal or destination. In the context of Amos, this agreement is a metaphor for the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting the necessity of Israel's alignment with God's will.

where to go?
The phrase "where to go" underscores the importance of direction and purpose. In Hebrew, the word "יָבוֹא" (yavo) is used, which means to come or to enter. This suggests not just a physical destination but a spiritual or moral endpoint. The rhetorical question posed by Amos challenges the Israelites to consider their spiritual direction and alignment with God's purposes. Historically, this was a call to repentance and a return to the covenant path that God had set for them.

(3) Two.--Who are the two here represented? Some commentators say, two prophets; Rosenmller, "God and the prophet." But Grotius, Lowth, Henderson, and Pusey refer it, with more reason, to God and Israel, the expression denoting, not merely God's knowledge of a man, but man's response to God. His practical obedience, his communion of heart and will, are described as "walking with" or "before God." (Genesis 5:22; Genesis 6:9; Genesis 17:1; Psalm 56:13; Psalm 116:9.) Will, then, God walk with man, guiding, shielding, strengthening him, if man is not in harmony with Him? This is the first of a series of parabolic apothegms, all of which require a negative answer. (Leviticus 26:23-24.) Each states an event, closely and indissolubly related to another in the bond of cause and effect. All these symbolic utterances point on to the climax in Amos 3:7-8. . . . Verses 3-8. - Before announcing more particularly the coming judgment, Amos, by a series of little parables or comparisons, establishes his right to prophesy, and intimates the necessity laid upon him to deliver his message. He illustrates the truths that all effects have causes, and that from the cause you can infer the effect. Verse 3. - Can two walk together except they be agreed? or, except they have agreed? The "two" are God's judgment and the prophet's word. These do, not coincide by mere chance, no more than two persons pursue in company the same end without previous agreement. The prophet announces God's judgment because God has commissioned him; the prophet is of one mind with God, therefore the Lord is with him, and confirms his words. The application of the parables is seen in vers. 7, 8. The Septuagint, reading differently, has, "except they know one another."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Can two
שְׁנַ֖יִם (šə·na·yim)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

walk
הֲיֵלְכ֥וּ (hă·yê·lə·ḵū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

together
יַחְדָּ֑ו (yaḥ·dāw)
Adverb
Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly

without
בִּלְתִּ֖י (bil·tî)
Preposition
Strong's 1115: A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, until

an appointment to meet?
נוֹעָֽדוּ׃ (nō·w·‘ā·ḏū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3259: To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage


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OT Prophets: Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have (Amo. Am)