Amos 3:1

¶ Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,

Hear {H8085} this word {H1697} that the LORD {H3068} hath spoken {H1696} against you, O children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, against the whole family {H4940} which I brought up {H5927} from the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, saying {H559},

"Listen to this word which ADONAI has spoken against you, people of Isra'el, against the entire family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:

Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt:

Hear this word that Jehovah hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying,

Amos 3:1 serves as a solemn and direct introduction to a series of divine indictments against the nation of Israel. The prophet Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah, is delivering God's authoritative message to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was experiencing a period of economic prosperity but profound spiritual and moral decay.

Context

This verse immediately follows a series of pronouncements against surrounding nations (Amos 1-2) and sets the stage for God's specific judgment on Israel. The phrase "Hear this word" is an emphatic command, underscoring the urgency and importance of the message that follows. It's not a suggestion but a divine summons to attention. By referring to Israel as "the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt," the LORD immediately reminds them of their unique history and privileged relationship with Him, established through the Exodus deliverance. This foundational act of salvation forms the basis for the covenant God made with them, which now stands in stark contrast to their current unfaithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority: The message is not Amos's own opinion but "the word that the LORD hath spoken." This emphasizes God's sovereignty and His right to address His chosen people.
  • Covenant Relationship and Responsibility: God specifically reminds Israel of their unique status as "the whole family" He delivered from Egypt. This special election carries with it a greater responsibility and, consequently, a more severe judgment when they fail to uphold their part of the covenant. This theme is further elaborated in Amos 3:2.
  • Impending Judgment: The phrase "against you" immediately signals that the forthcoming message is one of accusation and condemnation, not blessing. It foreshadows the severe consequences of their spiritual idolatry and social injustice.
  • God's Faithfulness: By recalling the Exodus, God highlights His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even as He confronts Israel's unfaithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew phrase for "Hear this word" is שִׁמְעוּ אֶת־הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה (Shim'u et-ha-davar ha-zeh), using a strong imperative verb that demands immediate and earnest attention, similar to a courtroom summons.
  • "The whole family" (כָּל־הַמִּשְׁפָּחָה - kol-ha-mishpachah) emphasizes the collective identity and corporate responsibility of all twelve tribes, not just a segment of the population.
  • "Brought up from the land of Egypt" (הֶעֱלֵיתִי מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם - he'eiliti me'eretz Mitzrayim) is a powerful and frequently used reminder of God's redemptive act, which defined Israel's national identity and their special relationship with the LORD.

Practical Application

Amos 3:1 reminds us that God holds those with greater privilege and knowledge to a higher standard of accountability. Just as Israel was uniquely chosen and delivered, believers today have received immense grace through Christ. This verse prompts us to:

  • Listen Attentively: Be ready to "hear" God's word, even when it brings conviction or warns of consequences.
  • Reflect on Privilege: Consider the spiritual blessings and knowledge we have received, recognizing that they come with responsibility.
  • Examine Our Lives: Just as God called Israel to account for their actions despite their history, we too are called to align our lives with His will, not presuming upon His past mercies while living in disobedience.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Amos 2:10

    Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.

  • Micah 3:1

    ¶ And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; [Is it] not for you to know judgment?

  • Jeremiah 8:3

    And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue of them that remain of this evil family, which remain in all the places whither I have driven them, saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 31:1

    ¶ At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

  • Ezekiel 37:16

    Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and [for] all the house of Israel his companions:

  • Ezekiel 37:17

    And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

  • Hosea 4:1

    ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because [there is] no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land.

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