Amos 1:2-5 - The Lord roars

1:2

The opening of Amos’ words reflect his background. The Lord roars from Zion, from Jerusalem. There are times when the Lord roars. He does not make a gentle suggestion that perhaps we might do things a little differently, for things have got so bad that a roar from the Lord is what is required. Now remember that Amos is speaking to the northern kingdom, so they would not be too keen on hearing a word from Jerusalem! Israel (the northern kingdom) was, at least at this time, the more disobedient of the two. The Lord’s plan was one kingdom, centered on Jerusalem, living in obedience to Him. God’s plan had not changed, but Israel had seriously deviated from it. Likewise, God’s plan for mankind has not changed, and it is a good plan, but we have seriously deviated from it. The places of worship in Israel were places of false worship. Zion, Jerusalem was God’s chosen place of worship. So often we choose to do things our way, we need to do things God’s way. Mount Carmel was where Elijah famously defeated the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Just as the false gods of Elijah’s time, and their prophets were defeated, so those who defy the Lord in Amos’ time would be destroyed.

1:3-5

Amos first of all addresses surrounding nations before turning his attention to Israel and Judah. Why does he do this? Maybe it is to soften up his prime target (Israel). They will heartily agree and delight in the attacks on their neighbours, and then on Judah, making them more receptive to the punchline, the judgement on their own sins.

The messages have the repeated formula: “For three transgressions .., and for four”. A similar formula is used in Proverbs 30, where the emphasis is on the fourth item. Amos uses the formula, but mentions only the fourth item, presumably implying that this is the worse sin of that nation, but is one among many.

Damascus is first in the firing line. Gilead was part of Israel, but was very vulnerable to attack. The “threshing sledges of iron” is a figure of speech, implying severe cruelty on the part of Damascus when she attacked Gilead. Hazael caused problems for Jehoram, Jehu and Jehoahaz. Ben-hadad was defeated by Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:14-19,25).

Damascus would suffer a severe defeat. No one is quite sure where Kir is.