Amos 7:16

KJV

Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore hear {H8085} thou the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}: Thou sayest {H559}, Prophesy {H5012} not against Israel {H3478}, and drop {H5197} not thy word against the house {H1004} of Isaac {H3446}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So now, hear what ADONAI says: 'You say, "Don't prophesy against Isra'el, don't lecture the people of Yitz'chak."'

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’

American Standard Version

Now therefore hear thou the word of Jehovah: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Amos 7:16 records the Lord's direct and forceful response to Amaziah, the chief priest of Bethel, who had attempted to silence the prophet Amos and forbid him from prophesying against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This verse powerfully reasserts God's sovereign right to speak His word through His chosen messengers, highlighting the futility of human attempts to suppress divine truth and setting the stage for the severe judgment pronounced upon Amaziah for his defiance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Amos 7:16 is situated within a critical narrative interlude (Amos 7:10-17) that interrupts Amos's series of five visions of judgment. Prior to this passage, Amos has delivered three visions of impending destruction, each averted by his intercession (Amos 7:1-6). The fourth vision, a plumb line, signifies God's unbending standard of justice against Israel (Amos 7:7-9), leading directly to Amaziah's accusation against Amos in [Amos 7:10-11](/amos/7-10-11 "Amaziah Accuses Amos"). Amaziah, perceiving Amos's prophecy as a threat to the political stability and religious establishment of King Jeroboam II, sends a message to the king and then directly confronts Amos, ordering him to cease his prophetic activity and return to Judah (Amos 7:12-13). Amos 7:16 is Amos's divinely inspired counter-response to Amaziah's prohibition, delivered with the full authority of the Lord, which then culminates in a specific and severe judgment against Amaziah and his family in [Amos 7:17](/amos/7-17 "Judgment Against Amaziah"). This narrative provides a vivid illustration of the clash between divine revelation and human resistance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethel, a significant religious center in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which, since the time of Jeroboam I (see [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26-33 "Jeroboam's Idolatry at Bethel")), had been a site of idolatrous calf worship, established as an alternative to worship in Jerusalem. During the reign of Jeroboam II, Israel experienced a period of unprecedented economic prosperity and military strength, but this was accompanied by profound social injustice, moral decay, and religious syncretism. Amaziah, as the chief priest of Bethel, represented the entrenched religious establishment that benefited from and perpetuated this corrupt system. His command to Amos to "prophesy not" was not merely a personal rebuke but an official attempt by the state-sanctioned religion to silence a voice that challenged their authority and exposed their sin. The reference to "the house of Isaac" is a poignant reminder of Israel's ancestral lineage and covenant relationship with God, which they were actively violating through their practices.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes within the book of Amos and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God's word** over all human authority, whether political or religious. Amaziah's futile attempt to suppress the divine message highlights that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human decree, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **unwavering nature of the prophetic call** and the prophet's fidelity to God's message, even in the face of severe opposition. Amos, though a simple shepherd, stands firm against the powerful priest, demonstrating the courage required to deliver uncomfortable truths. This aligns with the broader prophetic tradition where prophets often faced rejection, as seen in [Jeremiah 1:17-19](/jeremiah/1-17-19 "Jeremiah's Commission and Opposition"). Thirdly, the confrontation highlights the **consequences of rejecting God's messengers and His word**, as Amaziah's defiance immediately precedes a pronouncement of personal judgment against him and his family. Finally, the use of "house of Isaac" reinforces the theme of **Israel's covenant identity and their apostasy**, reminding them of their heritage while simultaneously condemning their departure from it, a common prophetic lament found throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Hosea 4:1-2](/hosea/4-1-2 "Israel's Unfaithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697. This term is far more expansive than a mere utterance; it signifies a matter, affair, deed, or even a divine decree. In this context, "the word of the LORD" (H1697 + H3068) refers to God's authoritative, active, and effective message, which carries the weight of His will and power. It is not just information but a force that shapes reality and brings about judgment or salvation.
* **Prophesy (Hebrew, _nâbâʼ'_):** From H5012. This primitive root means "to speak (or sing) by inspiration," indicating a divinely empowered utterance. It implies that the prophet is not speaking his own thoughts but conveying God's message, often in prediction or simple discourse. Amaziah's command "Prophesy not" is thus a direct attempt to cut off the conduit of divine revelation.
* **Drop (Hebrew, _nâṭaph'_):** From H5197. This root literally means "to ooze" or "distill gradually," often used for water or dew. In a prophetic context, as here, it is a powerful metaphor for prophetic words flowing forth from the prophet's mouth like rain or dew. It suggests an organic, irresistible, and divinely sourced outpouring of the message, emphasizing its natural and unstoppable progression, contrasting sharply with Amaziah's futile attempt to contain it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine authority behind Amos's counter-response. It is not Amos speaking on his own behalf, but the Lord Himself commanding Amaziah to listen. The imperative "hear" (H8085, _shâmaʻ_) implies not just auditory perception but intelligent attention and, critically, obedience. This directly counters Amaziah's attempt to silence God's word.
* **"Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel":** This directly quotes Amaziah's prohibition (H559, _ʼâmar_ - "thou sayest"; H5012, _nâbâʼ_ - "prophesy not"). It highlights Amaziah's human authority attempting to override divine command. The target, "Israel" (H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_), refers to the Northern Kingdom, the primary focus of Amos's judgment prophecies.
* **"and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac":** This is a poetic parallel to the preceding clause, reinforcing Amaziah's prohibition. "Drop not" (H5197, _nâṭaph_) uses the vivid metaphor of prophetic utterance as a flowing, unstoppable force. "The house of Isaac" (H1004, _bayith_ + H3446, _Yischâq_) is a unique and archaic designation for the Northern Kingdom, emphasizing their ancestral connection to the patriarch Isaac and, by extension, to the Abrahamic covenant, making their apostasy and the ensuing judgment all the more grievous.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Parallelism** is evident in the two prohibitive clauses: "Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac." This repetition with synonymous terms ("prophesy" and "drop"; "Israel" and "house of Isaac") intensifies the force of Amaziah's command while also highlighting the comprehensive nature of his attempt to silence Amos. **Metaphor** is powerfully used in "drop not [thy word]," comparing the prophetic utterance to a flowing liquid, emphasizing its divinely inspired, unstoppable, and life-giving (or judgment-bringing) quality. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in God's response: Amaziah attempts to silence the word of the Lord, but the Lord's very response is a word that cannot be silenced, culminating in a direct judgment against Amaziah himself. The phrase "house of Isaac" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the family of Isaac) stands for the whole (the nation of Israel), serving as a poignant reminder of their covenant heritage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Amos 7:16 profoundly illustrates the unyielding nature of God's revealed word and His determination to speak truth, even when it confronts human power and religious corruption. It underscores the divine prerogative to initiate and sustain communication with humanity, regardless of opposition. The confrontation between Amos and Amaziah serves as a timeless paradigm for the conflict between divine truth and human attempts to suppress it, reminding us that God's word ultimately triumphs over all resistance. It also highlights the perilous position of those who, like Amaziah, stand in the way of God's message, incurring severe consequences.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"): "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Peter's Declaration of Obedience to God"): "Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
* [2 Timothy 3:16](/2_timothy/3-16 "All Scripture is God-Breathed"): "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Amos 7:16 serves as a powerful reminder for believers in every age: God's word is sovereign and cannot be ultimately silenced or thwarted by human decree or opposition. In a world where truth is often suppressed or distorted, this verse calls us to a deeper commitment to discerning and upholding divine truth, even when it is unpopular or challenging. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we like Amaziah, seeking to silence uncomfortable truths that expose our sin or challenge our comfort, or are we like Amos, willing to hear and speak God's word faithfully, regardless of the cost? For those called to proclaim God's message, this passage offers profound encouragement to speak boldly, trusting that the authority of the message rests not on the messenger's eloquence or power, but on the God who sends it. For all believers, it is a call to cultivate a spirit of humility and receptivity to God's voice, recognizing that His word, though sometimes piercing, is always for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, like Amaziah, be tempted to silence or ignore God's word when it challenges my comfort or convictions?**
* **How does this passage encourage me to trust in the ultimate triumph of God's truth, even in the face of widespread opposition?**
* **What specific actions can I take to cultivate a greater openness to hearing and obeying God's word in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "house of Isaac" in Amos 7:16?**

Answer: The phrase "house of Isaac" (H1004, _bayith_ + H3446, _Yischâq_) is a unique and somewhat archaic designation for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. While "house of Jacob" or "house of Israel" are more common, "house of Isaac" specifically emphasizes their lineage through Isaac, Abraham's promised son, and therefore their covenant relationship with God. By using this term, Amos underscores that the very people who were heirs to God's promises through Isaac were now the recipients of His judgment due to their idolatry and injustice. It serves as a poignant reminder of their privileged heritage and their profound failure to live up to the covenant, making the impending judgment all the more significant. It links their current apostasy directly to their foundational identity, highlighting the severity of their departure from God's ways, as described throughout [the book of Amos](/amos/ "The Book of Amos").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Amos 7:16, with its depiction of human authority attempting to silence God's prophetic word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the very "Word of God made flesh" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), the ultimate prophet through whom God speaks His final and complete revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as Amaziah sought to silence Amos, the religious establishment of Jesus' day—the chief priests and Pharisees—repeatedly attempted to silence, discredit, and ultimately eliminate Jesus, perceiving His message as a threat to their authority and traditions ([Matthew 26:59-66](/matthew/26-59-66 "Jesus Before the Sanhedrin")). They commanded Him not to teach in His name ([Acts 4:18](/acts/4-18 "Peter and John Commanded Not to Speak")), just as Amaziah commanded Amos not to prophesy. Yet, despite their efforts to "drop not [His word]," Jesus' message of the Kingdom of God, repentance, and salvation could not be suppressed. His death on the cross, intended to be the ultimate silencing, instead became the means of His triumph and the ultimate proclamation of God's saving truth. Through His resurrection, the "word of the LORD" that is Christ Himself, proved to be unstoppable, fulfilling the principle that God's word "shall not return unto me void" ([Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")). The gospel continues to be proclaimed today, empowered by the Spirit, demonstrating that no human authority can ultimately stop the living Word of God.

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

Ezekiel 20:46

Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop [thy word] toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the south field;

Micah 2:6

¶ Prophesy ye not, [say they to them that] prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, [that] they shall not take shame.

Ezekiel 21:2

Son of man, set thy face toward Jerusalem, and drop [thy word] toward the holy places, and prophesy against the land of Israel,

Deuteronomy 32:2

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Amos 7:13

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it [is] the king's chapel, and it [is] the king's court.

Isaiah 30:10

Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:

1 Kings 22:19

And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left.