Amos 1:2

KJV

And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, The LORD {H3068} will roar {H7580} from Zion {H6726}, and utter {H5414} his voice {H6963} from Jerusalem {H3389}; and the habitations {H4999} of the shepherds {H7462} shall mourn {H56}, and the top {H7218} of Carmel {H3760} shall wither {H3001}.

Complete Jewish Bible

he said: ADONAI is roaring from Tziyon thundering from Yerushalayim; the shepherds' pastures will mourn, and Mount Karmel's summit will wither.

Berean Standard Bible

He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Jehovah will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the pastures of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 1:2 serves as a dramatic and foreboding overture to the prophet Amos's message, immediately establishing the divine origin and terrifying nature of the impending judgment. It vividly portrays the LORD as a lion roaring from His holy dwelling in Zion and Jerusalem, a sound that signals not only His sovereign authority but also the devastating desolation that will sweep across the land, causing both the fertile pastures and the renowned Mount Carmel to mourn and wither. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent pronouncements of judgment against Israel and the surrounding nations, underscoring the certainty and severity of God's righteous wrath against sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a powerful superscription or thematic prologue to the entire book of Amos. Following the brief introductory statement in Amos 1:1, which identifies the prophet and his historical setting, Amos 1:2 immediately plunges the reader into the core message: God's imminent and inescapable judgment. The imagery of God roaring like a lion from Zion establishes a consistent motif of divine judgment that reverberates throughout the subsequent oracles against Damascus, Philistia, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah, and especially Israel. It sets a tone of urgency and divine authority, indicating that the following prophecies are not mere human pronouncements but the very voice of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam II king of Israel, a period of remarkable economic prosperity and political stability for both kingdoms, particularly the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, beneath this veneer of success lay deep-seated social injustice, moral corruption, and religious apostasy. The wealthy oppressed the poor, justice was perverted, and idolatry was rampant, often cloaked under a facade of religious observance. The mention of "shepherds" and "Carmel" grounds the prophecy in the agricultural and pastoral realities of the land, highlighting that the judgment would impact the very foundations of their livelihood and the natural beauty they took for granted. Mount Carmel, known for its lush forests and fertility, represents the pinnacle of natural abundance, making its predicted withering a potent symbol of total devastation.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 1:2 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment**, depicted through the terrifying metaphor of the LORD's roar, signifying an active, decisive, and destructive intervention by God against the unrighteousness of His people and the nations. This judgment is rooted in God's **Sovereignty and Authority**, as His voice emanates from Zion and Jerusalem, demonstrating His universal dominion over all creation and human affairs, even when His prophet is sent to the Northern Kingdom. Furthermore, the verse foreshadows **Widespread Desolation**, indicating that the consequences of sin will not be limited but will impact both the natural world and human society, leading to a profound loss of prosperity, joy, and life itself. This serves as a stark warning, emphasizing the biblical principle that actions have consequences, particularly when a covenant people strays from God's commands, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," emphasizing His self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant relationship with Israel. The use of this specific name underscores that the impending judgment is not arbitrary but comes from the faithful, covenant-keeping God who has a just claim on His people. It signifies that the one who roars is the sovereign God of Israel, not a lesser deity.
* **roar (Hebrew, _shâʼag'_):** A primitive root meaning "to rumble or moan," specifically used to describe the fierce, terrifying cry of a lion. This word choice is crucial, as it conveys the majestic, powerful, and utterly terrifying nature of God's pronouncement of judgment. It is not a whisper or a gentle word, but a loud, authoritative sound that strikes fear and signifies an imminent, decisive, and destructive action, leaving no doubt about its source or impact.
* **wither (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This root means "to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)," but also "to be ashamed, confused or disappointed." In this context, it vividly describes the physical desolation of the land, particularly Mount Carmel, symbolizing the loss of fertility and life. The secondary meaning of shame or disappointment also subtly hints at the spiritual and emotional devastation that will accompany the physical ruin, as the people's hopes and pride are utterly dashed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine source and nature of the prophecy. "He said" refers to the LORD, not Amos, emphasizing that the message originates from God Himself. The imagery of the LORD "roaring" like a lion from His holy dwelling places, Zion and Jerusalem, conveys His majestic power, terrifying authority, and the certainty of His impending judgment. The roar is a sound of warning and impending attack, signifying that God is about to act decisively against the unrighteousness of His people.
* **"and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn":** This phrase describes the immediate and widespread impact of God's judgment. "Habitations of the shepherds" refers to the pastures, dwellings, and livelihoods of those dependent on the land, symbolizing the rural population and the very agricultural foundation of society. Their "mourning" indicates profound sorrow, loss, and desolation, suggesting that the judgment will strip away their prosperity and cause deep distress.
* **"and the top of Carmel shall wither":** This final clause provides a potent symbol of the comprehensive nature of the desolation. Mount Carmel was renowned for its lush fertility, beauty, and abundant vegetation, often representing the epitome of prosperity in Israel. Its "withering" signifies a complete reversal of fortune, a drying up of life and abundance, illustrating that no part of the land, however strong or beautiful, will be spared from the devastating effects of God's righteous judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 1:2 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly the powerful metaphor of God as a roaring lion. This **Metaphor** vividly conveys God's raw power, His terrifying majesty, and the predatory nature of His impending judgment. The lion's roar is a sound of warning before an attack, signifying an inescapable and destructive force. The verse also employs **Personification**, as "the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn" and "the top of Carmel shall wither." Giving human emotions (mourning) and actions (withering due to distress) to inanimate objects or geographical features intensifies the sense of widespread grief and desolation that will grip the land. The contrast between Carmel's renowned fertility and its predicted "withering" also creates a sharp **Juxtaposition**, highlighting the severity and unexpectedness of the coming judgment. This dramatic opening serves as a powerful **Proleptic** statement, foreshadowing the comprehensive destruction detailed throughout the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 1:2 powerfully asserts the absolute sovereignty and moral governance of God over creation and humanity. The imagery of the LORD roaring from Zion underscores that divine judgment is not a random event but a deliberate act emanating from His holy presence and righteous character. This judgment is a direct consequence of sin and injustice, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to the moral decay of His people or the nations. The desolation described is a tangible manifestation of God's wrath, serving as a stark reminder that disobedience to His covenant and disregard for His justice will inevitably lead to severe consequences. This foundational truth about God's character — His holiness, justice, and ultimate authority — is a recurring theme throughout biblical prophecy, calling all to repentance and reverence.

* [Jeremiah 25:30](/jeremiah/25-30 "The LORD Roars from On High")
* [Joel 3:16](/joel/3-16 "The LORD Roars from Zion")
* [Hosea 11:10](/hosea/11-10 "God Roars Like a Lion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 1:2 serves as a timeless and sobering reminder of God's unwavering holiness and justice. In a world often characterized by moral relativism and a diminishing sense of accountability, this verse powerfully declares that God is not silent in the face of injustice and rebellion. His "roar" from Zion is a call to attention, a declaration that He sees, He knows, and He will act. For believers today, this should cultivate a profound reverence for God, recognizing His authority not just as a loving Father but also as a righteous Judge. It challenges us to examine our own lives and communities for any areas of compromise with sin, social injustice, or spiritual apathy. While we live under the grace of the new covenant, the principles of God's character remain immutable. We are called to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, understanding that true peace and prosperity are found not in material abundance or political stability, but in faithful obedience to His commands and a deep, abiding fear of the LORD. This verse compels us to take God's warnings seriously and to respond with genuine repentance and transformed living.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God "roaring like a lion" impact your understanding of His character and authority?**
* **In what ways might we, individually or corporately, be guilty of the kind of moral and spiritual decay that provoked God's judgment in Amos's time?**
* **What specific actions can you take to live more justly and righteously in response to God's holiness?**
* **How does understanding God's justice, as depicted in Amos 1:2, deepen your appreciation for His grace?**

### FAQ
**Why does God "roar" from Zion and Jerusalem, specifically?**

Answer: The imagery of God roaring from Zion and Jerusalem is highly significant because these locations represent His dwelling place and the center of His covenant relationship with Israel. Zion is often synonymous with Jerusalem, the capital city and the site of the Temple. By roaring from these holy places, God emphasizes that the judgment is not arbitrary or from a distant deity, but from the very God who established a covenant with His people and resided among them. It underscores His sovereign authority over His chosen land and people, and signals that judgment begins from the house of God, as indicated in [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God"). This also signifies that the judgment is rooted in His righteous character and covenant faithfulness, as His holy presence cannot tolerate unrepentant sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Amos 1:2 speaks of God's roaring judgment against sin, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The "roar" of the LORD from Zion, a sound of terrifying judgment, is ultimately silenced and satisfied in the person and work of Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, absorbing the full wrath and judgment of God on the cross ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His sacrifice, the curse of the law and the withering effects of sin, symbolized by the mourning shepherds and withered Carmel, are overcome. Furthermore, Jesus Himself is depicted as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah ([Revelation 5:5](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah")), who, through His victory over sin and death, brings about a new creation where mourning is turned into joy and desolation into flourishing life ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Mourning or Crying")). Thus, the terrifying roar of judgment in Amos foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention, not just in judgment, but in the redemptive work of Christ, who reconciles humanity to God and inaugurates a kingdom where righteousness reigns.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 3:16

The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD [will be] the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

Jeremiah 25:30

¶ Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread [the grapes], against all the inhabitants of the earth.

Amos 9:3

And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

Isaiah 42:13

¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

Jeremiah 12:4

How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of every field wither, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein? the beasts are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our last end.

Nahum 1:4

He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.