Amos 3:6

If a ram's horn sounds in a city, do the people not tremble? If calamity comes to a city, has not the LORD caused it?

Study Bible

If a ram’s horn sounds in a city
The "ram’s horn," or shofar, is a significant instrument in ancient Israelite culture, often used to signal important events, such as the start of a battle or a call to worship. The Hebrew word for ram's horn is "שׁוֹפָר" (shofar). Its sound was a call to attention, a warning, or an announcement of something significant. In the context of Amos, the sounding of the shofar in a city would naturally cause alarm and alertness among the people, as it often signaled impending danger or a call to gather. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the message Amos is delivering, as the shofar's sound is not to be ignored.

do the people not tremble?
The reaction of trembling indicates fear or reverence. The Hebrew root "חָרַד" (charad) conveys a sense of quaking or shaking, often associated with fear or awe. In the context of Amos, the rhetorical question implies that the natural response to the shofar's sound is one of fear or concern. This trembling is not just physical but also spiritual, as it reflects the people's awareness of the divine message or judgment that the shofar might herald. It serves as a reminder of the power and authority of God, who is ultimately in control of the events that unfold.

If calamity comes to a city
The word "calamity" in Hebrew is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which can mean evil, disaster, or misfortune. This term is used to describe events that bring destruction or distress. In the historical context of Amos, calamities such as invasions, natural disasters, or other forms of judgment were often seen as consequences of the people's disobedience to God. The mention of calamity serves as a warning to the Israelites, urging them to consider their ways and the potential consequences of their actions.

has not the LORD caused it?
This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all events, both good and bad. The Hebrew name for the LORD here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, highlighting His personal relationship with His people. The rhetorical question asserts that nothing happens outside of God's will or knowledge. From a conservative Christian perspective, this underscores the belief in God's providence and justice. It challenges the reader to recognize that God is actively involved in the world and that His judgments are righteous and purposeful. This acknowledgment calls for a response of repentance and trust in God's ultimate plan and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver messages to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies often focus on social justice and the consequences of Israel's disobedience.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom, which during Amos's time was experiencing prosperity but also significant moral and spiritual decline. Amos's messages were directed towards their leaders and people.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is portrayed as sovereign over all events, including calamities that befall cities.

4. Ram’s Horn (Shofar)
An instrument used in ancient Israel for various purposes, including signaling danger or calling people to attention. Its sound was meant to provoke a response, often of fear or readiness.

5. Calamity
Refers to disasters or judgments that come upon a city, which in the context of Amos, are seen as acts of divine judgment due to the people's sins.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all events, both good and bad. This understanding should lead to a reverent fear and trust in His plans.

The Purpose of Warnings
Just as the sound of the ram’s horn serves as a warning, God often provides warnings through His Word and His prophets. We must be attentive and responsive to these warnings.

The Consequences of Sin
Calamity as a result of sin is a recurring theme in Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.

Call to Repentance
The acknowledgment of God’s hand in calamity should lead us to examine our lives, repent of our sins, and seek His mercy.

Community Responsibility
The collective response to warnings and calamities is crucial. As a community of believers, we are called to support one another in turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over calamity affect your view of current events in the world?

2. In what ways can we be more attentive to the "ram’s horns" or warnings that God might be sounding in our lives today?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a personal "calamity." How did it impact your relationship with God, and what did you learn from it?

4. How can the church today act as a "watchman," warning others of spiritual danger and calling them to repentance?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are living in a way that is responsive to God's warnings and aligned with His will?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 18:7-10
This passage discusses God's sovereignty over nations, emphasizing that He can build up or tear down based on their actions, similar to the message in Amos about divine causation of calamity.

Isaiah 45:7
This verse speaks of God creating both light and darkness, peace and calamity, reinforcing the idea of God's control over all aspects of existence.

Ezekiel 33:3-5
The role of the watchman and the sounding of the trumpet parallels the imagery of the ram’s horn in Amos, highlighting the responsibility to heed warnings.