Bible Glide

Amos 3

Amos 3 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Amos 3 opens with God's warning to Israel, the people he had brought out of Egypt. The chapter explains why judgment is coming, shows that the Lord speaks through his prophets, and describes the ruin that will fall on Samaria because of violence and injustice.

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What happens in Amos 3?

The chapter begins by stressing Israel's special relationship with the LORD and the accountability that comes with it. A series of short images shows that events do not happen without cause, and that God's warning is not empty. Amos is told to call witnesses from other nations and expose the oppression in Samaria. Because the people have stored up violence instead of doing right, an enemy will surround the land. The chapter ends with the collapse of their false security, including their altars, luxury houses, and strongholds.

Amos 3 continues the prophet's message against the northern kingdom after earlier warnings in the book. It moves from general charges of sin to a direct announcement of judgment and a call for witnesses. The chapter sets up the sharp contrast between Israel's covenant privilege and its moral failure.

Themes to notice

  • Covenant accountabilityBeing known by God brings responsibility, not exemption from judgment.
  • Prophetic warningGod reveals his message through the prophets before judgment comes.
  • Justice and ruinViolence, oppression, and false security lead to the fall of Israel's defenses and wealth.

Questions for Amos 3

  • What does this chapter say about the responsibility that comes with being God's people?
  • Why does Amos use these images from everyday life to explain God's warning?
  • What kinds of security does Israel trust in, and why are they not enough?

Read the full text of Amos 3 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Amos 3

Witnesses against Israel

1Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt:

2“Only you have I known

from all the families of the earth;

therefore I will punish you

for all your iniquities.”

3Can two walk together

without agreeing where to go?

4Does a lion roar in the forest

when he has no prey?

Does a young lion growl in his den

if he has caught nothing?

5Does a bird land in a snare

where no bait has been set?

Does a trap spring from the ground

when it has nothing to catch?

6If a ram’s horn sounds in a city,

do the people not tremble?

If calamity comes to a city,

has not the LORD caused it?

7Surely the Lord GOD does nothing

without revealing His plan

to His servants the prophets.

8The lion has roared—

who will not fear?

The Lord GOD has spoken—

who will not prophesy?

9Proclaim to the citadels of Ashdod

and to the citadels of Egypt:

“Assemble on the mountains of Samaria;

see the great unrest in the city

and the acts of oppression in her midst.”

10“For they know not how to do right,”

declares the LORD.

“They store up violence and destruction

in their citadels.”

11Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says:

“An enemy will surround the land;

he will pull down your strongholds

and plunder your citadels.”

12This is what the LORD says:

“As the shepherd snatches from the mouth of the lion

two legs or a piece of an ear,

so the Israelites dwelling in Samaria will be rescued

having just the corner of a bed

or the cushion of a couch.

13Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,

declares the Lord GOD, the God of Hosts.

14On the day I punish Israel for their transgressions,

I will visit destruction on the altars of Bethel;

the horns of the altar will be cut off,

and they will fall to the ground.

15I will tear down the winter house

along with the summer house;

the houses of ivory will also perish,

and the great houses will come to an end,”

declares the LORD.

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