Introduction
The book of Amos is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. Amos was not a prophet by profession, but a shepherd and a caretaker of sycamore-fig trees1. However, he was chosen by God to deliver a powerful message to the people of Israel. The passage Amos 7:10-17 is a significant part of this prophetic book, where Amos confronts Amaziah, the priest of Bethel1.
The Confrontation between Amos and Amaziah
In Amos 7:10-17, Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, accuses Amos of conspiring against Jeroboam, the king of Israel1. He claims that the land cannot bear all of Amos’s words1. This accusation was based on Amos’s prophecy that Jeroboam would die by the sword and that Israel would go into exile1.
Amaziah orders Amos to leave Israel and go back to Judah to earn his bread and prophesy there1. He commands Amos not to prophesy anymore at Bethel, as it is the king’s sanctuary and the temple of the kingdom1.
Amos’s Response to Amaziah
Amos responds to Amaziah’s accusations and commands by stating that he was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet1. He explains that he was a shepherd and also took care of sycamore-fig trees1. However, the Lord took him from tending the flock and commanded him to prophesy to the people of Israel1.
Amos then delivers the word of the Lord to Amaziah. He criticizes Amaziah for telling him not to prophesy against Israel and to stop preaching against the descendants of Isaac1. Amos prophesies that Amaziah’s wife will become a prostitute in the city, his sons and daughters will fall by the sword, his land will be divided, and he will die in a pagan country1. Furthermore, he reiterates that Israel will surely go into exile1.
Conclusion
The passage Amos 7:10-17 is a powerful narrative of a shepherd turned prophet who bravely speaks out against the priest of Bethel. Despite facing accusations and commands to stop prophesying, Amos stands firm in his mission to deliver God’s message to the people of Israel. This passage serves as a reminder of the courage and determination required to speak truth to power, even in the face of opposition and threats.
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