Hear the Word of the LORD Amos 7:16

Amos the prophet answered the accusations of Amaziah the priest in Israel by declaring how the LORD said to him, “Go, prophesy unto my people Israel” while he was “neither a prophet” nor “a prophet's son”, but rather a “herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore” or “fig” “fruit”. He continued his discourse by telling Amaziah to “hear the word of the LORD” where we read:

Now therefore hear you the word of the LORD: You say,

Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not your word against the house of Isaac.

The verse begins, “Now therefore hear you the word of the LORD:” Amos began with the words, “Now therefore hear” or “At this time and moment listen to, obey and perceive” “you the word” which means “the speech, speaking and utterance” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”. Amos called Amaziah to “listen to” God's “speech” to him.

The verse goes on to say, “You say, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not your word against the house of Isaac.” Amos continued, “You say” which means “Amaziah uttered, proclaimed and declared”, “Prophesy” or “do not be under the influence of divine spirit” “not against Israel” which means “in opposition to the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “and drop” or “drip, distill, prophesy, preach or discourse” “not your word against the house” which is all one Hebrew word “bayith” and refers to “the dwelling, habitation and abode” “of Isaac” which means “he laughs” and was “the son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau”. Amos repeated the charge Amaziah brought against him to forsake prophesying against Israel and Isaac.

When we think through these words of Amos, we see how Amos, rather than ignoring, reiterated the charges made to him by Amaziah. Amaziah wanted to squelch Amos' prophesying against Israel, but Amos was determined and purposed. Though he was threatened, Amos continued to obey the LORD's word, and regardless of the consequences, Amos was intentional concerning obeying the LORD. Jesus was also determined to obey His Father's commands as He gave His life for His message of Salvation. That is commitment, and those who follow Jesus Christ must be as missional and intentional as Amos was though he was opposed by Amaziah. May the LORD Jesus bless us with His resolve, purpose and will.

Next time we see Amos tell Amaziah “Your wife shall be an harlot in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided by line”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.