Amos 6:3

You dismiss the day of calamity and bring near a reign of violence.

Study Bible

You dismiss the day of calamity
The phrase "You dismiss" in the Hebrew text is derived from the word "מַנְדִּים" (mandim), which implies a sense of pushing away or rejecting. This indicates a deliberate act of ignoring or setting aside something significant. In the context of Amos, the Israelites are being accused of ignoring the impending judgment and calamity that God has warned them about. Historically, this reflects a period of complacency and false security among the people, who were living in prosperity and luxury, yet were spiritually negligent. The prophetic message here is a call to awareness and repentance, urging the people to recognize the seriousness of their situation and the reality of divine judgment.

the day of calamity
The "day of calamity" refers to a time of disaster or judgment. In the Hebrew, "יוֹם רָעָה" (yom ra'ah) conveys a sense of an appointed time when evil or disaster will occur. This is a common theme in prophetic literature, where the "day of the Lord" is often depicted as a time of reckoning for sin and injustice. Archaeologically, this period in Israel's history was marked by social injustice and idolatry, which the prophets consistently condemned. Theologically, this phrase serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice, emphasizing that while God is patient, there is a limit to His forbearance, and a time will come when He will act decisively against sin.

and bring near a reign of violence
The phrase "and bring near" is translated from the Hebrew "וַתַּגִּישׁוּ" (vatagishu), which means to draw near or to cause to approach. This suggests an active role in hastening or inviting the consequences of their actions. The "reign of violence" is a translation of "שֶׁבֶט חָמָס" (shevet chamas), where "shevet" can mean a rod or scepter, symbolizing authority or rule, and "chamas" means violence or wrongdoing. This indicates that the people, through their actions and neglect, are effectively ushering in a period characterized by violence and oppression. Historically, this can be seen in the increasing social and political turmoil leading up to the Assyrian conquest. Spiritually, it serves as a warning that ignoring God's commands and living in sin will inevitably lead to destructive consequences, both personally and collectively. The call here is for introspection and a return to righteousness, aligning one's life with God's will to avoid such a fate.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, who was called by God to deliver messages of judgment and repentance to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity and moral decay.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, which was experiencing economic prosperity but was spiritually and morally corrupt, leading to social injustice and idolatry.

3. Day of Calamity
A prophetic term referring to a time of impending judgment and disaster that God would bring upon Israel due to their sins.

4. Reign of Violence
Symbolizes the societal and moral decay in Israel, where injustice and oppression were prevalent, and the people were complicit in perpetuating violence.

Teaching Points

Complacency in Comfort
The Israelites were at ease, dismissing the warnings of impending judgment. As believers, we must guard against spiritual complacency, especially in times of prosperity.

Ignoring God's Warnings
The dismissal of the "day of calamity" shows a disregard for God's prophetic warnings. We should be attentive to God's Word and heed His warnings in our lives.

Social Injustice and Violence
The "reign of violence" reflects societal injustice. Christians are called to be agents of justice and peace, standing against oppression and violence.

Consequences of Sin
The passage warns of the inevitable consequences of sin. We must recognize that ignoring God's commands leads to spiritual and sometimes physical calamity.

Urgency of Repentance
The message of Amos underscores the need for immediate repentance. We should not delay in turning back to God and aligning our lives with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the complacency of the Israelites in Amos 6:3 reflect attitudes we might see in today's society, and how can we guard against similar complacency in our spiritual lives?

2. In what ways do we "dismiss the day of calamity" in our own lives, and what steps can we take to be more attentive to God's warnings?

3. How can we, as Christians, actively work against the "reign of violence" and promote justice and peace in our communities?

4. Reflect on a time when you ignored a warning or conviction from God. What were the consequences, and what did you learn from that experience?

5. How do the themes in Amos 6:3 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament regarding vigilance and readiness for His return?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 5:11-12
This passage speaks to the indulgence and disregard for God's deeds, similar to the complacency Amos addresses.

Jeremiah 6:14
Highlights the false sense of security and peace that the people felt, ignoring the looming judgment.

Micah 2:1-2
Describes the planning and execution of evil deeds, akin to the "reign of violence" mentioned in Amos.