Amos 3:9-10

9, 10. Summons of the surrounding nations. Amos 3:9 connects with Amos 3:2. The prophet, having presented his credentials, continues his message of denunciation and judgment. The iniquities for which judgment is to be executed (Amos 3:2) are so heinous that they startle even the heathen nations. These the prophet summons to testify against Israel. “Even the inhabitants of the great cities of Philistia and Egypt,” says Wellhausen, “who were by no means timid and could endure a great deal, would be amazed on seeing the mad confusion and injustice in Samaria.”

Publish The speaker is Jehovah, or the prophet in his name. No one in particular is addressed; the imperative is equivalent to “Let it be published,” by anyone in a position to do so.

In the palaces Literally, upon or over the palaces. Either from the high palaces, so that everyone may hear, or let the proclamation be spread over the palaces of the nobles. Since the condemnation fell chiefly upon the nobles of Samaria (Amos 3:11-15) it would seem fitting that the sentence should be announced in the presence of their equals.

Ashdod LXX., “Assyria.” Hosea frequently mentions Assyria and Egypt together, Amos never. Ashdod represents Philistia. Why he mentions Philistia and Egypt rather than other neighboring nations is not clear; perhaps because they, as long-time enemies of Israel, would rejoice most over the downfall of the latter.

Mountains of Samaria LXX., “mountain,” that is, the mountain upon which Samaria was built (Amos 4:1; Amos 6:1), and this is considered by many to be the original, but the present Hebrew text gives good sense. Samaria was situated upon a hill, which was surrounded on all sides by higher hills. From these outer elevations the witnesses were to behold the outrages in Samaria.

Samaria Founded as the capital of the northern kingdom by Omri (1 Kings 16:24), it remained the capital until the end of the kingdom in 722-721. It continued to exist even after that catastrophe, and Herod the Great, who practically rebuilt the city, called it Sebaste. Its site is identified with the modern es-Sebustieh, a village and ruin on a hill about six miles northwest of Shechem, in the center of Palestine.

Great tumults Confusions and disorders resulting from the violence of the ruling classes.

Oppressed Better, R.V., “oppressions” (Job 35:9); great is to be supplied (compare Amos 2:6-7). 9b may be rendered more forcibly, “And, behold! confusions manifold in the midst of her! oppressions to her very core!”

They know not to do right Literally, straight. Their sinful conduct has continued so long that their consciences have become seared and all sense of right has been lost; wrongdoing has become their second nature.

Violence and robbery That which is secured through violence and robbery.

In their palaces From now on it becomes clear whom Amos addresses, the nobles who are robbing their weaker fellow citizens.