Amos 7:11

for this is what Amos has said: 'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.'"

Study Bible

for this is what Amos has said:
Amos, a prophet from Judah, was called by God to deliver messages to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His prophecies were often direct and challenging, addressing the social injustices and idolatry prevalent in Israel. Amos's role as a prophet was to speak God's truth, regardless of the opposition he faced from the religious and political leaders of the time.

‘Jeroboam will die by the sword:
Jeroboam II was the king of Israel during Amos's ministry. His reign was marked by military success and economic prosperity, but also by moral and spiritual decline. The prophecy of Jeroboam dying by the sword symbolizes divine judgment against the king and his leadership. Historically, Jeroboam II did not die by the sword, but his dynasty ended violently, fulfilling the essence of the prophecy. This phrase underscores the theme of divine retribution for unfaithfulness and injustice.

and Israel will surely go into exile,
The prophecy of exile was a significant warning to Israel. It foretold the Assyrian conquest and the subsequent deportation of the Israelites, which occurred in 722 BC. This exile was a direct consequence of Israel's persistent idolatry and failure to uphold the covenant with God. The concept of exile is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing separation from God's presence and blessings due to sin.

away from their homeland.’”
The loss of the homeland was a devastating consequence for the Israelites, as the land was a central part of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. Being removed from the land signified a break in the covenant relationship with God. This phrase highlights the severity of Israel's disobedience and the resulting judgment. It also foreshadows the eventual hope of restoration and return, a theme that is later fulfilled in the return from Babylonian exile and ultimately in the spiritual restoration through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, called by God to deliver messages of judgment to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Amos was not a professional prophet but a shepherd and a fig tree farmer.

2. Jeroboam II
The king of Israel during Amos's prophetic ministry. His reign was marked by economic prosperity but also by significant moral and spiritual decline.

3. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, consisting of ten tribes, which had separated from Judah. During Amos's time, Israel was experiencing prosperity but was also steeped in idolatry and injustice.

4. Exile
The prophesied event where the people of Israel would be taken captive and removed from their land due to their disobedience and idolatry.

5. Bethel
A significant religious center in the Northern Kingdom where Amos delivered his prophecies. It was a place of idol worship, contrary to the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Judgment
God's warnings through His prophets are not idle threats. The prophecy against Jeroboam and Israel underscores the certainty of divine judgment when a nation turns away from God.

The Consequences of Idolatry and Injustice
Israel's prosperity led to complacency and moral decay. This serves as a warning that material success without spiritual integrity leads to downfall.

The Role of the Prophet
Amos's courage in delivering an unpopular message reminds us of the importance of speaking truth, even when it is uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Repentance and Restoration
While judgment is certain, God's desire is for repentance and restoration. The call to return to God is implicit in the warnings of judgment.

The Sovereignty of God
God's control over nations and history is evident. He raises and deposes leaders according to His purposes, reminding us of His ultimate authority.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy of Amos 7:11 reflect the broader themes of justice and righteousness found throughout the book of Amos?

2. In what ways can the prosperity of Israel during Jeroboam II's reign serve as a warning to modern societies that prioritize economic success over spiritual health?

3. How does the role of Amos as a prophet challenge us to speak truth in our own communities, even when it may be unpopular?

4. What parallels can you draw between the warnings of exile in Amos and the covenant curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28? How do these connections deepen our understanding of God's expectations for His people?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Amos 7:11 to our personal lives, particularly in terms of recognizing and addressing areas of idolatry or injustice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 14:23-29
Provides historical context for Jeroboam II's reign, highlighting the prosperity and expansion of Israel during his time, which contrasts with the moral and spiritual decay Amos addresses.

Hosea 10:5-8
Another prophet, Hosea, also speaks of the impending judgment and exile of Israel, emphasizing the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God.

Deuteronomy 28:36-37
The warnings of exile and destruction for disobedience to God's covenant, which Amos's prophecy echoes, showing the fulfillment of these covenant curses.