Amos 3:1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Amos 3:1-8

The scope of these verses is to convince the people of Israel that God had a controversy with them. That which the prophet has to say to them is to let them know that the Lord has something to say against them, Amos 3:1. They were his peculiar people above others, knew his name, and were called by it; nevertheless he had something against them, and they were called to hear what it was, that they might consider what answer they should make, as the prisoner at the bar is told to hearken to his... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Amos 3:1

Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel ,.... The prophecy against Israel begins in the preceding chapter, where notice is taken of their sins, at least some of them, and of their aggravated circumstances, and sure destruction; and here they are called upon to hearken and listen to what the Lord by his prophet had spoken, and was about to speak unto them; and to "receive" this word, as the Targum; to receive it as the word of God, and not men, and with all... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Amos 3:1

Against the whole family - That is, all, both the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. In this all the twelve tribes are included. read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 1 The Prophet wished doubtless by these words to confirm his own authority, for he saw that his doctrine was regarded with contempt: and it is probable that the words recited here were not only once delivered by him, but had been often repeated. We know how great was the pride and confidence of that people: it was therefore needful to beat it down, that they might be habituated to dread and fear, when God reproved them by his Prophets. It was then the common mode of speaking, when he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 3:1

The peculiar favour which God has shown the Israelites enhances the guilt of their ingratitude and increases their punishment. Hear this word. Each address ( Amos 4:1 ; Amos 5:1 ) begins with this solemn call. O children of Israel. The summons is addressed to the twelve tribes, as the following words prove; but the succeeding denunciation is confined to Israel, Judah being only indirectly warned that she may expect a similar fate unless she turns in time. I brought up from the land of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 3:1-2

The judgment of apostates a foregone conclusion. This chapter, like Amos 5:1-27 . and 6; opens with a call to attention. God is going to speak, and his voice is worth listening to. He is going to speak a word, moreover, the issues of which are capital. To attend to his communication is as vitally important as dutiful. I. GOD , WHO HAD ONLY SPOKEN ABOUT THE HEATHEN , SPEAKS TO ISRAEL . Syria and Edom and Tyre may never have heard of the doom to which they were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 3:1-2

Sin against light and love. This language of reproach and threatening was addressed to Israel and Judah. Yet all who occupy a parallel position of privilege, and who are guilty of similar insensibility, ingratitude, and apostasy, are subject to the condemnation and the penalty pronounced upon the favoured but sinful descendants of Israel. I. UNPARALLELED FAVOURS ARE RECOUNTED . As a matter of history, Israel had been treated in a singular manner, with unique favour. However we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Amos 3:1-15

§ 1. First address: the prophet begins by showing Israel's ingratitude for past mercies ( Amos 3:1 , Amos 3:2 ) , and his own commission to announce the coming judgment ( Amos 3:3-8 ) . They have drawn this upon themselves by iniquities which astonish even heathen nations; and they shall be punished by the overthrow of the kingdom and the destruction of their city ( Amos 3:9-15 ) . read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Amos 3:1

Amos, like Hosea, rebukes Israel directly, Judah indirectly. He had warned each nation separately. Now, ere he concentrates himself on Israel, he sums up what he had before said to Judah and in the Person of God. “Ye have been alike in My gifts to you, alike in your waste of them and your sins; alike ye shall be in your punishment.” What was said to Israel was said also to Judah: what was directed first to the former people, belongs to us, the later. What Jesus said to the Apostles, He said... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Amos 3:1-2

Amos 3:1-2. Hear this word against the whole family, &c. All that family of which Jacob, or Israel, was the head. The word family is equivalent to people here and in the following verse. You only have I known Acknowledged, by revealing myself to you, protecting you, and conferring on you peculiar privileges. Therefore will I punish you Your sins, therefore, shall be punished, and that in an exemplary manner; because you have sinned against greater light and higher obligations... read more

Group of Brands