Amos 3:7

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

Surely the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} will do {H6213} nothing {H1697}, but he revealeth {H1540} his secret {H5475} unto his servants {H5650} the prophets {H5030}.

ADONAI, God, does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.

Surely the Lord Jehovah will do nothing, except he reveal his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7 (KJV)

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

Commentary

This verse comes in a section where Amos is explaining the inevitability and source of the judgment he is prophesying against Israel. He uses a series of cause-and-effect questions (lions roar because they have prey, birds are trapped because there's a snare, etc.) to show that his prophecy of doom is not random but is a direct result of God's plan and action.

The key theme here is God's relationship with His chosen messengers, the prophets. It highlights God's sovereign control over events and His characteristic way of dealing with humanity: He doesn't act without warning. Before bringing significant judgment or executing major plans, especially those affecting His covenant people or the world, He reveals His intentions to His faithful servants, the prophets. This demonstrates both God's faithfulness in warning people and His unique, intimate communication with those He sets apart for His purposes.

The Hebrew word translated "secret" is סוֹד (*sod*), which can mean counsel, assembly, or intimate communication. It suggests not just a hidden piece of information, but a plan or decision shared within a trusted circle or council. God shares His plans with His prophets as members of His "council," enabling them to speak on His behalf.

This principle is seen elsewhere in Scripture. For example, God reveals His plan for Sodom to Abraham because Abraham is His friend (Genesis 18:17). Prophets were expected to have stood in God's counsel (Jeremiah 23:22). In the New Testament, Jesus tells His disciples, "Henceforth I call you not servants... but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you" (John 15:15), reflecting a similar principle of revealing His will to those close to Him.

For us today, while the specific role of Old Testament prophets prophesying imminent national judgment has changed, the principle of God revealing His will remains. God reveals His "secrets" (His plans, His will, His truth) through His inspired Word, the Bible, and through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to believers who are in close relationship with Him. It underscores the importance of studying Scripture and seeking God's presence to understand His purposes.

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.

  • John 15:15

    Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

  • Genesis 18:17

    And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;

  • Psalms 25:14

    The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

  • Revelation 1:1

    ¶ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified [it] by his angel unto his servant John:

  • Daniel 9:22

    And he informed [me], and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.

  • Daniel 9:27

    And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

  • Genesis 6:13

    ¶ And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
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