Amos 7:16

Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: 'Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.'

Study Bible

Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD.
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message Amos is delivering. In the biblical context, prophets were seen as messengers of God, and their words carried the weight of divine command. The phrase "hear the word of the LORD" is a call to attention and obedience, reminiscent of Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." It underscores the importance of listening to God's voice, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

You say:
This part of the verse introduces the opposition Amos faces from the people of Israel. It highlights the tension between the prophet and his audience, who are resistant to his message. This resistance is a common theme in the prophetic books, where prophets often encounter hostility from those they are sent to warn, as seen in the experiences of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

‘Do not prophesy against Israel;
The command not to prophesy against Israel reflects the people's desire to avoid hearing messages of judgment and correction. Israel, at this time, was experiencing a period of prosperity under King Jeroboam II, leading to complacency and moral decay. The reluctance to hear negative prophecies is indicative of a broader cultural and spiritual decline, where the people preferred messages of peace and prosperity over calls to repentance, similar to the warnings in Isaiah 30:10.

do not preach against the house of Isaac.’
The "house of Isaac" refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, emphasizing their ancestral connection to the patriarch Isaac. This phrase highlights the people's pride in their heritage and their belief in a special status before God. However, Amos's message challenges this complacency, reminding them that their lineage does not exempt them from accountability. The resistance to preaching against the house of Isaac is a reflection of their unwillingness to confront their sins and the impending judgment, a theme echoed in the New Testament where Jesus warns against relying on heritage alone for salvation (Matthew 3:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet called by God from Judah to deliver His message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Amos was a shepherd and a fig tree farmer before his calling, emphasizing his humble origins and divine appointment.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, often characterized by idolatry and social injustice during Amos's time. The kingdom was prosperous but spiritually corrupt, leading to God's judgment.

3. House of Isaac
A reference to the descendants of Isaac, specifically the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It highlights the covenant relationship and the expectations God had for His people.

4. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who speaks through His prophets to guide, correct, and sometimes rebuke His people.

5. Amaziah
The priest of Bethel who opposed Amos's prophecies, representing the religious establishment that resisted God's message.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
God's word, delivered through His prophets, carries divine authority. Believers are called to heed His message, even when it challenges or convicts.

Resistance to Truth
Human nature often resists uncomfortable truths. As followers of Christ, we must remain open to God's correction and guidance, even when it comes through unexpected sources.

Courage in Proclamation
Like Amos, believers are called to speak God's truth with courage, regardless of opposition. Our confidence comes from the Lord, not human approval.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's mouthpiece, calling His people back to righteousness. We should value and discern prophetic voices in our lives today.

Covenant Responsibility
The reference to the "house of Isaac" reminds us of our covenant responsibilities. As God's people, we are called to live in obedience and reflect His character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amos's background as a shepherd and farmer influence your understanding of his prophetic ministry?

2. In what ways do you see resistance to God's truth in today's world, and how can you respond to it?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt called to speak truth in a challenging situation. How did you find the courage to do so?

4. How can we discern true prophetic voices in our lives today, and what role should they play in our spiritual growth?

5. What does it mean to live out our covenant responsibilities as modern-day believers, and how can we ensure we are faithful to God's calling?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 1
Like Amos, Jeremiah faced opposition when delivering God's message. Both prophets were called to speak truth despite resistance, emphasizing the divine authority behind their words.

Matthew 23
Jesus condemns the religious leaders of His time for rejecting God's messengers, similar to how Amaziah rejected Amos. This highlights a recurring theme of resistance to prophetic truth.

Acts 7
Stephen recounts Israel's history of rejecting prophets, drawing a parallel to Amos's experience and underscoring the persistent challenge of accepting divine correction.