Amos 3:8

The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

The lion {H738} hath roared {H7580}, who will not {H3808} fear {H3372}? the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069} hath spoken {H1696}, who can but prophesy {H5012}?

The lion has roared. Who will not fear? ADONAI, God, has spoken. Who will not prophesy?

The lion has roared— who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken— who will not prophesy?

The lion hath roared; who will not fear? The Lord Jehovah hath spoken; who can but prophesy?

Commentary

Amos 3:8 powerfully illustrates the irresistible nature of God's word and the prophet's compelled response. This verse serves as a rhetorical climax, explaining the divine compulsion behind Amos's bold proclamations of judgment against Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a series of rhetorical questions in Amos chapter 3, which establish a cause-and-effect relationship between God's actions and human or natural responses. Amos, a shepherd and fig-picker from Judah, was called by God to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Amos 7:14-15). The preceding verse, Amos 3:7, states that "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." This sets the stage, explaining that Amos's prophecy is not of his own accord but a direct consequence of God's revelation and command.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Sovereignty: The "lion's roar" is a potent metaphor for God's overwhelming power and absolute authority. Just as no one can ignore a lion's roar without fear, so too can no one disregard the voice of the Lord GOD without consequence. His word is not merely advice but a decree.
  • Compulsion to Prophesy: The rhetorical question, "who can but prophesy?", highlights the irresistible nature of God's call upon His chosen messengers. Once the "Lord GOD hath spoken," the prophet is divinely compelled to deliver that message. It is not a matter of choice but of obedience to a higher authority. This echoes the experience of other prophets, such as Jeremiah, who felt God's word like a burning fire in his bones if he tried to hold it back.
  • Fear of the Lord: The fear mentioned is not merely terror but a profound reverence and awe in the presence of God's power and truth. This fear of the Lord is often presented as the beginning of wisdom in Scripture.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The lion hath roared" uses a powerful image common in the ancient Near East, where the lion symbolized strength, royalty, and danger. Here, it directly represents the majestic and terrifying voice of God. The title "Lord GOD" combines Adonai (Master, Sovereign) and Yahweh (the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence and faithfulness), underscoring His supreme and personal authority over all creation and His people.

Practical Application

Amos 3:8 reminds us that God's word carries ultimate authority and demands a response. For believers, it underscores the importance of listening to and obeying God's revealed truth. It also speaks to the calling of those whom God chooses to speak His message; they are not speaking their own opinions but are instruments of the divine will. For all, it encourages a reverent awe before the God who speaks and acts in history, and whose plans are certain to come to pass.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Amos 3:4

    Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?

  • Acts 4:20

    For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

  • Jeremiah 20:9

    Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But [his word] was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not [stay].

  • Amos 1:2

    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.

  • Revelation 5:5

    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:16

    For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

  • Amos 2:12

    But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not.
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