Amos 3:1

KJV

¶ 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,

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

"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:

Berean Standard Bible

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:

American Standard Version

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,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 3:1 serves as a solemn and direct introduction to a series of divine indictments against the nation of Israel. Following pronouncements of judgment against surrounding nations, this verse pivots sharply to address God's chosen people, emphasizing their unique covenant relationship and the profound responsibility that accompanies it. It is an authoritative summons to attention, reminding Israel of their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and setting the stage for the specific accusations and consequences that will follow due to their unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in the book of Amos. Chapters 1 and 2 detail God's judgment against the surrounding nations—Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and Judah—culminating in a pronouncement against Israel's closest kin. With Amos 3:1, the prophetic gaze narrows, focusing exclusively on the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The phrase "Hear this word" functions as a powerful rhetorical device, signaling a new, intensified phase of the prophetic message, one directly aimed at those who had a special relationship with Yahweh. It sets the stage for the specific charges of social injustice, religious apostasy, and moral decay that will be meticulously laid out in the subsequent chapters, particularly in [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - Unique Privilege, Greater Accountability").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Amos was delivered during a period of relative peace and economic prosperity for both the Northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam II and the Southern Kingdom of Judah under Uzziah (cf. [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Words of Amos")). This era of material comfort, however, masked deep spiritual and moral corruption. While the nation enjoyed political stability and economic growth, social justice was neglected, the poor were oppressed, and religious worship had become syncretistic and superficial, often involving idolatry at places like Bethel and Dan. The reference to "the land of Egypt" is a crucial historical anchor, recalling the foundational event of Israel's national identity—the Exodus—which established their covenant relationship with Yahweh and set them apart from all other peoples. This historical memory served as a powerful reminder of God's past faithfulness and Israel's unique obligations.
* **Key Themes:** Amos 3:1 powerfully introduces several central themes that permeate the book. First is the theme of **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, underscored by the declaration that this is "the word that the LORD hath spoken." Amos is merely the messenger; the message originates from the sovereign God of Israel. Second, the verse highlights **Covenant Relationship and Accountability**. By specifically naming "children of Israel" and "the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt," God reminds them of their unique election and the covenant responsibilities that flow from it. This special privilege, as [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - Unique Privilege, Greater Accountability") elaborates, means a higher standard of judgment. Third, the phrase "against you" immediately signals the theme of **Impending Judgment**, indicating that the prosperity they enjoyed would not shield them from the consequences of their unfaithfulness. Finally, there is an underlying theme of **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, as He recalls His redemptive act of the Exodus, even as He confronts their present rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, this primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often with the implication of attention, obedience, or even consent. It is not merely a passive reception of sound but an active engagement that demands a response. In this context, it functions as a strong imperative, a divine summons to Israel to listen with a view to understanding and acting upon the word spoken by the LORD.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to "a word," but by implication, it can also mean "a matter," "a thing," or "a cause." Here, it signifies the authoritative and weighty message that the LORD is about to deliver. It is not a casual utterance but a divine pronouncement that carries the full weight of God's character and intention, encompassing both His accusations and His decrees.
* **family (Hebrew, _mishpâchâh'_):** From H4940, this word denotes "a family," "a circle of relatives," or by extension, "a tribe or people." The use of "the whole family" emphasizes the collective identity and corporate responsibility of all twelve tribes of Israel, encompassing both the Northern and Southern Kingdoms, though the immediate focus is on the Northern Kingdom. It underscores the intimate, familial relationship God had established with them through the Exodus, making their rebellion all the more grievous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. The imperative "Hear" (שִׁמְעוּ, _shim'u_) is a command for Israel to pay close attention, implying that what follows is of utmost importance and consequence. The source is explicitly identified as "the LORD" (יהוה, _Yᵉhôvâh_), the covenant God of Israel, whose word is absolute. The phrase "against you" immediately signals that the message is one of accusation and judgment, directly confronting Israel's actions and character.
* **"O children of Israel, against the whole family"**: This clause identifies the specific audience of the prophecy. "Children of Israel" (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, _bênê Yisrâʼêl_) refers to the descendants of Jacob, the covenant people. The repetition of the preposition "against" and the addition of "the whole family" (כָּל־הַמִּשְׁפָּחָה, _kol-ha-mishpachah_) emphasize the comprehensive nature of the indictment, encompassing all segments of the nation and highlighting their corporate responsibility before God.
* **"which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,"**: This final clause serves as a powerful historical and theological reminder. God explicitly recalls His redemptive act of the Exodus, the foundational event that defined Israel's identity and established their unique covenant relationship with Him. This act of salvation underscores God's faithfulness and His prior commitment to them, making their current unfaithfulness all the more egregious. The word "saying" then introduces the specific content of the divine word that follows in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Amos 3:1 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent and authoritative message. The most prominent is the **Imperative Mood** in "Hear this word," which functions as a direct, non-negotiable command, demanding immediate and serious attention from the audience, akin to a legal summons. This is reinforced by the **Repetition** of the preposition "against you," which serves to emphasize the directness and accusatory nature of the divine address, leaving no doubt as to the target of the prophecy. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Historical Allusion** by referencing "the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt." This powerful allusion to the Exodus, the defining redemptive event in Israel's history, serves as a form of **Rhetorical Question** or implicit contrast. By reminding them of His past faithfulness and their unique privilege, God implicitly highlights their present unfaithfulness and the stark contrast between His covenant keeping and their covenant breaking. This sets up the theological argument for their impending judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 3:1 powerfully articulates the theological principle of divine election leading to greater accountability. God's unique choice of Israel, demonstrated by their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, did not grant them immunity from judgment but rather imposed a higher standard of obedience and faithfulness. Their privileged status as God's "family" meant that their rebellion was not merely a transgression but a betrayal of a sacred, intimate relationship. This verse sets the stage for the profound truth that proximity to God's grace necessitates a deeper responsibility, and where much is given, much is required. It underscores God's justice, which, while patient, will ultimately hold His chosen people to account for their covenant violations, particularly their social injustices and idolatry.

* [Deuteronomy 7:6-8](/deuteronomy/7-6-8 "Deuteronomy 7:6-8 - Israel, God's Chosen People")
* [Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins with the Household of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 3:1 resonates deeply with believers today, serving as a profound call to attentive listening and humble self-examination. Just as ancient Israel was uniquely chosen and delivered by God, believers in Christ have been redeemed by an even greater act of salvation, brought out of the bondage of sin and into God's family through the sacrifice of Jesus. This immense privilege carries with it a solemn responsibility to live in a manner worthy of our calling. We are called to "hear this word" not just as an ancient text, but as a living, active word that convicts, corrects, and guides. This verse prompts us to consider: Are we truly listening to God's voice, even when it challenges our comfortable assumptions or exposes our hidden sins? Do we recognize the weight of our spiritual heritage and the implications of being called God's children? Our past experiences of God's grace should not lead to presumption, but to a deeper commitment to obedience and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "hear this word" more attentively, especially if it challenges your comfort or convictions?**
* **How does your understanding of God's past grace in your life (your "Exodus" from sin) inform your present responsibility and accountability to Him?**
* **What specific actions can you take to ensure that your spiritual privileges lead to greater faithfulness and not to presumption or complacency?**

### FAQ
**Why does God specifically remind Israel of the Exodus in a message of judgment?**

Answer: God reminds Israel of the Exodus to underscore the depth of their covenant relationship and the magnitude of His redemptive act on their behalf. The Exodus was the foundational event that established Israel as God's chosen people, setting them apart from all other nations and binding them to Him in a unique covenant. By recalling this, God highlights that His judgment is not arbitrary but is based on a broken relationship and violated covenant. It emphasizes that their unfaithfulness is not merely a transgression but a betrayal of the One who faithfully delivered them. This reminder serves to magnify their guilt, as they have rebelled against the very God who loved and saved them, as further elaborated in [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - Unique Privilege, Greater Accountability").

**What does "the whole family" signify in this context?**

Answer: "The whole family" (Hebrew: _kol-ha-mishpachah_) emphasizes the corporate identity and collective responsibility of all the tribes of Israel, encompassing both the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah), though the immediate prophetic address is to the Northern Kingdom. It signifies that God's covenant and His subsequent judgment apply to the entire nation, not just a segment of the population or particular individuals. This highlights that their covenant relationship with God was a national, familial bond, and therefore, their corporate sin would lead to corporate consequences. It reinforces the idea that God's dealings are with His people as a whole, as seen throughout their history from [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation") to their eventual exile.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 3:1, while a direct word of judgment to Old Testament Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Jesus Christ. The "word that the LORD hath spoken" is supremely embodied in Jesus, who is the [Logos, the very Word of God made flesh](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh"). While Amos delivered God's word through prophecy, Jesus is the living, authoritative Word, through whom God has spoken His final and most complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Furthermore, the "children of Israel" who were brought out of Egypt foreshadow the greater spiritual family of God—the Church—composed of all who are redeemed by Christ's blood, delivered from the bondage of sin and death, a far greater "Exodus" than the one from physical Egypt ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")). Just as Israel was called to a unique relationship and accountability, believers in Christ are called to a new covenant relationship established by His sacrifice, where grace abounds, but also where a higher standard of love and obedience is expected in light of such a profound salvation ([Romans 6:1-4](/romans/6-1-4 "Romans 6:1-4 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")). Jesus Himself, as the perfect Son, perfectly fulfilled the covenant that Israel continually broke, and through Him, we become part of God's true "family" by faith ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God Through Faith in Christ Jesus")).

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

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.