The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:1-2
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Amos-1:1-5-nasb
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:2
And he said. This is the commencement of "the words" of Amos (verse 1); and herein the prophet gives a short summary of the judgment which he has to pronounce. The following clause is a repetition of Joel 3:16 ; and Amos thus connects his prophecy with that of his predscessor, to show the unity of prophetic mission, and to warn the Jews that God's punishments are not directed exclusively on heathen nations. To the nations denounced by Joel, Amos adds others of Israel's enemies, viz. Syria,... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:2
The thunder that both frights and smites. These words are an echo of Joel 3:16 . We hence infer the continuity of the two prophetic messages. The one strikes the keynote, and the other takes up and continues the strain. I. DIVINE INTERVENTION . This is to end a period of quiescence. It is: 1 . Intervention. "Utters his voice." The silence of God is often treated as equivalent to inaction ( Psalms 28:1 ; Psalms 50:21 ). So his speech would mean his becoming active,... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:2
The voice of terror. This imagery is evidently derived from the prophet's own experience. In the southeast of Palestine the lion was a frequent and formidable visitor, which every herdsman had reason to dread. The majestic roar of the king of beasts is here employed to denote the judgments of the Lord upon the disobedient and rebellious, especially of Israel. I. OBSERVE WHENCE THE VOICE OF THREATENING PROCEEDS . 1 . It is the voice of the Lord—that voice which assumes... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:3
For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four. This form of expression is repeated in each of the following strophes, and some critics have taken the terms literally, and have tried to identify that particular number of transgressions in each case; but this is trifling. The phrase and others similar to it are not uncommon, and are used to signify a great number, the last mentioned being supposed to fill up the measure and make it overflow. Thus Job 5:19 , "He shall deliver thee in six... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:3-5
Before announcing the judgment on Israel, Amos proclaims the punishment on neighbouring heathen nations for their injurious treatment of the chosen people, thus showing God's care for his elect, and leading them to fear vengeance for their own greater sins towards him. The order observed in denouncing these nations is not geographical, but is regulated by the nature of each people's relation to Israel, and the degree in which they have sinned against her. The denunciation begins with Syria,... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:3-5
The woe against Damascus. The kingdom of Syria is here named from its capital The crime charged against it had been foretold by Elisha to Hazael, and by him indignantly repudiated ( 2 Kings 8:12 , 2 Kings 8:13 ). But a man in one set of circumstances little knows what he would do under an entirely different set; especially a man beginning a sinful life, the magnitude of the crimes of which he may yet be capable. Accordingly, Hazael fulfilled one prophecy, and supplied the materials of... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:3-5
The judgment on Damascus. The beauty of Damascus has been the admiration of travellers and the praise of poets. It is a mournful reflection that a city so magnificently situated, and with associations so romantic, should so often have been the scene of human injustice, cruelty, and bloodshed. The "pearl girdled with emeralds"—as Damascus was gracefully designated—is beautiful without, but, as the text reminds us, has often contained a lawless and godless population. I. THE OFFENCE ... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:4
Fire . Material fire, though elsewhere the term is used metaphorically for war and its evils (comp. Numbers 21:28 ; Psalms 78:63 ; Jeremiah 48:45 ). This passage of Amos, combined with verse 14, is quoted by Jeremiah ( Jeremiah 49:27 ), where he is pronouncing the doom of Damascus. House of Hazael … palaces of Benhadad. The two expressions are parallel, or they may signify the family of Hazael, and Damascus itself with its magnificent royal palaces. There were three kings of Syria... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 1:1
The true teacher. "The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa." In the little village of Tekoa, six miles south of Bethlehem, the young peasant Amos lived. He was a lad of humble birth and lowly occupation. Sometimes be trimmed the sycamore trees, and sometimes drove the cattle to and from their pasture. But he heard the voice of God everywhere, and saw his works in all the scenes around him; for he was devout, and feared the Lord exceedingly. Although he lived in Judah, his... read more