Amos 7:16

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Context

Amos 7:16 is a pivotal moment in the prophetic book of Amos, capturing a direct confrontation between God's prophet and the religious establishment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Amos, a humble shepherd from Tekoa in Judah, had been called by God to deliver a message of judgment and warning to the prosperous but spiritually corrupt kingdom of Israel, often referred to as the "house of Isaac" in this verse. This particular verse is God's direct response, delivered through Amos, to Amaziah, the chief priest of the idolatrous sanctuary at Bethel.

In Amaziah's initial confrontation with Amos, the priest accused Amos of conspiracy against King Jeroboam II and ordered him to return to Judah, forbidding him to prophesy further in Israel, especially at Bethel, which was a royal sanctuary and a center for false worship. Amaziah's command in essence was, "Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not [thy word] against the house of Isaac." This verse highlights the profound clash between human authority attempting to suppress divine truth and God's unwavering resolve to speak His word.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority vs. Human Suppression: The verse powerfully asserts that God's word cannot be silenced or controlled by human decree, even when issued by religious or political leaders. Amaziah's attempt to forbid prophecy is met with an immediate and direct counter-command from the Lord, emphasizing the sovereignty of God's message.
  • The Unwavering Prophetic Message: Despite human opposition, Amos's message of impending judgment against Israel (the "house of Isaac") remains steadfast. This highlights the prophet's fidelity to his divine calling and the necessity of delivering uncomfortable truths when God commands.
  • Consequences of Rejecting God's Word: Amaziah's defiance and attempt to obstruct God's prophet are not without severe consequences. The very next verse, Amos 7:17, delivers a direct and personal prophecy of judgment against Amaziah and his family for his interference.
  • Israel's Identity and Covenant: The use of "house of Isaac" is a unique and poignant designation for the Northern Kingdom. It serves as a reminder of their ancestral covenant with God through Abraham and Isaac, a covenant they were actively violating through idolatry and social injustice, making the judgment all the more significant.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "drop not [thy word]" translates the Hebrew verb nataph (נָטַף), which literally means "to drip" or "to flow." In a prophetic context, it evokes the image of prophetic words flowing forth from the prophet's mouth like rain or dew, signifying a divinely inspired utterance that is poured out and cannot be held back. This emphasizes the organic, irresistible, and divinely sourced nature of Amos's message, contrasting with Amaziah's futile attempt to stop it.

Practical Application

Amos 7:16 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • God's Word is Sovereign: We are reminded that God's word is sovereign and will accomplish His purposes, regardless of human opposition. No authority, secular or religious, can ultimately silence divine truth.
  • Discernment and Obedience: It challenges us to carefully consider whether we are open to receiving God's truth, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural. We must be cautious not to reject or attempt to suppress messages that expose sin or call for repentance.
  • Courage to Speak Truth: For those called to share God's message, this verse provides encouragement to speak truth boldly, even in hostile environments, trusting in the authority of the one who sent them. Amos's firm stance after declaring his prophetic identity and calling serves as a powerful example.
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.

  • 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.

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