No More Prophesy at Bethel Amos 7:13

When Amos declared his prophesy against Israel, Amaziah the priest told Jeroboam the King of Israel that Amos spoke against him and Israel. He told Amos to “go, flee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there”. In chapter seven and verse thirteen of his prophesy, Amos continued to charge Amos as he told him to “prophesy not again any more at Bethel” where we read:

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.

The verse begins, “But prophesy not again any more at Bethel:” Amos began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over that which was just stated, “prophesy not again” or “never speak under the influence of divine spirit” “any more” which means “again, further or any longer” “at Bethel” which means “house of God” and was “ancient place and seat of worship in Ephraim on border of Benjamin which was identified with Luz”. Amaziah didn't want Amos to share any more spiritual insights in the city of “Bethel”.

The verse continues, “for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court.” Amos added, “for it is the king's” “it is the royal ruler's” chapel” which refers to “the sacred place or tabernacle”, “and it is the king's” or “it is the royal ruler's” “court” which refers to “house, dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode”. Bethel was the place where king Jeroboam lived and ruled.

When we meditate upon these words of Amos, we see how Amaziah was relentless in opposition against him. Though he was commissioned by God to speak against Israel, Amaziah wanted him to move and never speak “spiritual things” again. His reason was because King Jeroboam lived and ruled in Bethel where Amos spoke. Jesus knew this same sentiment. When He was among the people of the Gadarenes where we read, “Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them” (Luke 8:37). The same goes with many who hear the words of God today. People resist Jesus and His words and desire that He speak no more and leave them alone. This doesn't alter or change His words, and all who hear Him shall give an account for them. Let all who read these words take heed and not be as Amaziah the priest.

Next time we see Amos' answer to Amaziah, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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