Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Amos 3:4-6

Amos 3:4-6. Will a lion roar, &c., when he hath no prey? “Naturalists assert that when the lion sees his prey, he roars before he rushes on it; and that at this roaring many animals show great fear. He likewise roars over his prey. The sense seems to be, As the lion roareth on account of his prey, so by my prophets I cry aloud against you, because ye are the objects of my vengeance.” Newcome. Can a bird fall in a snare where no gin is for him As a bird does not fall into a snare,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Amos 3:1-8

3:1-6:14 REASONS FOR ISRAEL’S PUNISHMENTThe prophet’s responsibility (3:1-8)Many Israelites thought that because they were God’s people, they could do as they liked without fear of punishment. On the contrary, says Amos, God’s choice of them to be his people is all the more reason why he will punish them if they are disobedient (3:1-2).To prevent the people from thinking that he is making idle threats, Amos points out that he has good reason for speaking with such boldness. He gives a list of... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Amos 3:4

Will . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis . App-6 . forest = thicket. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Amos 3:3-8

Amos 3:3-8. Can two walk, &c.— The similies in these verses have the same meaning, and they all tend to shew that calamities happen according to the appointing, permissive, or suffering will of God; and that prophets prophesy not, without the Lord's speaking to them. Instead of, Shall one take up a snare, &c. Amos 3:5. Houbigant reads, Is a snare taken from the ground, unless something be caught in it? Upon the seventh verse we may observe, that there was no great revolution in the... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Amos 3:4

4. The same idea as in :-. Where a corrupt nation is, there God's instruments of punishment are sure also to be. The lion roars loudly only when he has prey in sight. Will a young lion cry out . . . if he—the "lion," not the "young lion." have taken nothing?—The young lion just weaned lies silent, until the old lion brings the prey near; then the scent rouses him. So, the prophet would not speak against Israel, if God did not reveal to him Israel's sins as requiring punishment. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Amos 3:3-6

Two people do not travel together unless they first agree to do so. By implication, God and Israel could not travel together toward God’s intended destination for the nation unless the Israelites agreed to do so on His terms (cf. Amos 3:2). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Amos 3:3-8

Israel’s inevitable judgment by Yahweh 3:3-8Amos asked seven rhetorical questions in Amos 3:3-6 to help the Israelites appreciate the inevitability of their judgment. In each one the prophet pointed out that a certain cause inevitably produces a certain effect. The five questions in Amos 3:3-5 expect a negative answer, and the two in Amos 3:6 expect a positive one. Amos 3:7-8 draw the conclusion. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Amos 3:4

A lion does not roar in the forest unless it has found prey. Young lions do not growl in their dens unless they have captured something and are protecting it (cf. Amos 1:2). read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 3:1-15

The First Address1-8. A call to attention. 9, 10. The oppressions practised by the powerful. 11-15. The disasters which should overtake them, their sanctuary and their palaces.1. ’Race’ would be a more correct word than family. Judah is included in the appeal, but immediately drops out of sight again.2. In the Bible to know frequently means to care for, to be deeply interested in (Genesis 18:19; Hosea 13:5; Nahum 1:7; Job 22:13; Psalms 1:6; Psalms 73:11; Proverbs 2:10; Galatians 4:9): at... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Amos 3:4

(4) Lion.—The questions suggest that the prey is being seized. This is intimated by the lion’s roar, the loud roar of the lion in the forest, the growl of the famished young lions in the den. Aben-Ezra thus interprets; but G. Baur thinks that Caphir distinguishes a “hunting lion” from the beast that growls in his lair. (Comp. Amos 1:2.) Amos, by his graphic representation of the terrifying threat, signifies that nations, and kingdoms, and this family of Israel, are, at the present moment,... read more

Group of Brands