Amos 3:13

Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,

Hear {H8085} ye, and testify {H5749} in the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, the God {H430} of hosts {H6635},

"As a shepherd rescues from the mouth of a lion a couple of leg bones or a piece of an ear; so the people of Isra'el in Shomron will be rescued, huddled under cushions in the corners of their beds. "Hear, and testify against the house of Ya'akov," says Adonai ELOHIM Elohei-Tzva'ot.

Hear and testify against the house of Jacob, declares the Lord GOD, the God of Hosts.

Hear ye, and testify against the house of Jacob, saith the Lord Jehovah, the God of hosts.

Context

Amos 3:13 is a pivotal command within a chapter that forcefully declares God's impending judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel (often referred to as the "house of Jacob"). The prophet Amos, a humble shepherd from Judah, is called by God to deliver a stark message of warning to a prosperous but morally corrupt nation. Prior to this verse, Amos establishes Israel's unique covenant relationship with God and, therefore, their greater accountability. The preceding verses (Amos 3:9-12) detail the specific sins, particularly injustice and oppression, that have provoked divine wrath and will lead to the downfall of Samaria, their capital. This verse serves as a solemn instruction to those who hear to proclaim this weighty message.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The phrase "saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts" powerfully underscores that this message originates from the supreme Ruler of the universe. The title "God of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes His absolute power over all creation, heavenly armies, and human affairs, making His judgments inescapable.
  • The Mandate to Proclaim Truth: "Hear ye, and testify" is a direct command, likely to Amos himself and to any who would receive his prophecy, to openly declare God's word. This highlights the vital role of prophets and messengers in communicating divine will, even when the message is unpopular or challenging. It reflects the principle that God reveals His intentions before acting decisively (Amos 3:7).
  • Accountability of Israel: The specific address to the "house of Jacob" reminds the audience that this judgment is not random but directed at God's chosen people who have violated their covenant obligations. Their privileged status did not exempt them from judgment but rather heightened their responsibility.

Linguistic Insights

The double appellation "the Lord GOD, the God of hosts" (Hebrew: Adonai Yahweh Elohei Tseba'ot) is significant. Adonai signifies Lordship and mastery, while Yahweh is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship and faithfulness. Elohei Tseba'ot (God of hosts) speaks to His omnipotence and control over all forces, heavenly and earthly. This combination asserts both His covenant authority and His ultimate power in executing judgment.

The verb "testify" (Hebrew: ʿūd) means to bear witness, to warn, or to declare solemnly. It implies a legal or formal declaration, underscoring the seriousness of the message being conveyed.

Practical Application

Amos 3:13 reminds believers today of the solemn responsibility to "hear" God's word and to "testify" to its truths.

  • Listen Attentively: We are called to listen carefully to God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, understanding His character and His will.
  • Speak Boldly: Just as Amos was commissioned to speak an unpopular truth to a rebellious nation, believers are called to share God's message, especially concerning righteousness, justice, and the consequences of sin. This includes proclaiming the good news of salvation through Christ, which offers an escape from ultimate judgment.
  • Understand God's Character: The verse emphasizes God's dual nature as both the covenant-keeping Lord and the powerful "God of hosts." This understanding inspires both reverence and trust in His plans, whether they involve discipline or deliverance. It underscores that His word is authoritative and will surely come to pass.
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.

  • Acts 2:40

    And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

  • Ezekiel 2:7

    And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

  • 2 Kings 17:13

    Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, [and by] all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments [and] my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

  • 2 Chronicles 24:19

    Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.

  • Acts 20:21

    Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Kings 17:15

    And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that [were] round about them, [concerning] whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6

    That no [man] go beyond and defraud his brother in [any] matter: because that the Lord [is] the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

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