Amos 3 - Responsibility and Consequences

The opening verse indicates that the prophesy was aimed at all of Israel, not just the northern kingdom.

1 Peter 4:17 says that judgement begins with the house of God, and here we see that principle working out. Israel was a chosen nation, and so she would be punished for her sins. Being chosen by God includes responsibilities. We do well to bear this in mind when considering our own lives, we have responsibilities as children of God. This also needs to be taken into account when viewing modern day Israel. I believe that Israel is still God's chosen nation and will one day turn as a nation to Christ. However, this does not mean she can act however she likes, for up until now she is not fulfilling her responsibilities as God's chosen nation.

Verse 3-6 expand on this theme of responsibility and consequences. Israel viewed her relationship with God as a kind of good luck charm, because God was on her side she would be safe. We need to be wary of doing the same . Verses 3-6 are referring the fact that there was a covenant relationship between God and Israel. For Israel to "enjoy" the benefits of the covenant she needed to walk in obedience.

God then declares what He will do, first reminding them that He always warns them beforehand. And the prophesy is now more specifically about the northern kingdom. Previously Ashdod and Egypt had been subjects of judgement, now they are called to see what will happen to Israel. When God's people are judged the world needs to learn from it, rather than gloating about it. Israel will be punished for her sins.