Amos 7:12

And Amaziah said to Amos, "Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there.

Study Bible

And Amaziah said to Amos,
Amaziah was the priest of Bethel, a significant religious center in the northern kingdom of Israel. His role was to maintain the religious status quo, which was often in conflict with the messages of true prophets like Amos. Amos, a shepherd and fig grower from Tekoa in Judah, was called by God to prophesy against Israel. This confrontation highlights the tension between institutional religion and genuine prophetic voices.

“Go away, you seer!
The term "seer" was an early designation for prophets, indicating one who sees visions or receives divine revelations. Amaziah's use of the term here is likely derogatory, dismissing Amos's prophetic authority. This reflects a broader biblical theme where true prophets are often rejected by those in power, as seen with figures like Elijah and Jeremiah.

Flee to the land of Judah;
Amaziah's command for Amos to return to Judah underscores the division between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division followed the reign of Solomon and was marked by political and religious differences. By telling Amos to flee, Amaziah is rejecting the divine message intended for Israel and attempting to silence the prophet.

earn your bread there
This phrase suggests that Amaziah viewed Amos's prophetic activity as a means of livelihood, implying that he was a professional prophet seeking financial gain. This accusation is ironic, as Amos was not a professional prophet but was called by God from his work as a shepherd. The notion of prophets as mercenaries is addressed elsewhere in scripture, contrasting true prophets with false ones who prophesy for profit (Micah 3:11).

and do your prophesying there.
Amaziah's dismissal of Amos's prophetic mission reflects a common biblical theme where God's messengers are rejected by their own people. This rejection is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of a prophet not being honored in his own country (Matthew 13:57). The call to prophesy in Judah instead of Israel also highlights the broader narrative of God's judgment and mercy, as Amos's messages were primarily directed at the northern kingdom's impending judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amaziah
A priest of Bethel, serving under King Jeroboam II of Israel. He opposed Amos's prophecies, viewing them as a threat to the established religious and political order.

2. Amos
A prophet from Judah, called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Known for his straightforward and uncompromising messages.

3. Bethel
A significant religious center in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Amaziah served. It was a place of idol worship, contrary to the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

4. Judah
The Southern Kingdom, where Amos originated. It was distinct from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, both politically and religiously.

5. Prophecy
The act of delivering messages from God, often involving warnings of judgment or calls to repentance. Amos's prophecies were directed against the social injustices and idolatry of Israel.

Teaching Points

Courage in Proclaiming Truth
Amos exemplifies the courage required to speak God's truth, even when facing opposition from powerful figures like Amaziah. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions.

The Danger of Religious Complacency
Amaziah represents a religious system more concerned with maintaining power and tradition than with true worship and obedience to God. Christians must guard against complacency and ensure their faith is genuine.

The Call to Faithfulness
Amos's response to Amaziah's command to leave highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's calling, regardless of personal cost or societal pressure.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are often misunderstood and rejected, yet their role is crucial in calling people back to God. Believers should be open to hearing and heeding prophetic voices today.

Judgment and Repentance
Amos's message underscores the themes of judgment and the need for repentance. Christians are reminded of the importance of self-examination and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the interaction between Amaziah and Amos illustrate the tension between religious authority and prophetic truth?

2. In what ways can modern believers demonstrate the same courage as Amos when faced with opposition for their faith?

3. How does the historical context of Bethel as a center of idol worship inform our understanding of Amaziah's resistance to Amos?

4. What lessons can we learn from Amos about remaining faithful to God's calling, even when it leads to personal sacrifice?

5. How can we apply the themes of judgment and repentance from Amos's message to our own lives and communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides background on the division of the kingdoms and the establishment of Bethel as a center of idol worship by Jeroboam I, setting the stage for the religious climate Amos confronted.

Jeremiah 1
Highlights the calling of prophets, emphasizing that true prophets speak God's words regardless of opposition, similar to Amos's experience.

Matthew 23
Jesus condemns religious leaders who oppose God's messengers, paralleling Amaziah's rejection of Amos.