Amos 5:1

Hear this word, O house of Israel, this lamentation I take up against you:

Study Bible

Hear this word
The phrase "Hear this word" is a call to attention, a divine imperative that demands the audience's focus. In Hebrew, the word "hear" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just listening but also obeying. This is reminiscent of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4, a central declaration of faith in Judaism. The prophet Amos is urging the Israelites to not only listen but to internalize and act upon the message. This call to hear is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where hearing is linked to obedience and faithfulness.

O house of Israel
This phrase identifies the audience as the "house of Israel," referring to the Northern Kingdom during the divided monarchy period. Historically, this was a time of prosperity but also of moral and spiritual decline. The term "house" (Hebrew: "בֵּית" - bayit) signifies not just a physical dwelling but a lineage or family, emphasizing the collective identity and responsibility of the people. The Northern Kingdom, often characterized by idolatry and injustice, is being directly addressed, highlighting their accountability to God’s covenant.

this lamentation
The word "lamentation" (Hebrew: "קִינָה" - qinah) is a form of poetic expression used in mourning. It is a dirge, a song of sorrow, often associated with funerals or times of great distress. Amos is using this form to convey the seriousness of the message. The use of lamentation indicates that the situation is dire, and the prophet is mourning the spiritual death of the nation. This is not just a warning but an expression of deep grief over the impending judgment due to Israel's unfaithfulness.

I take up against you
The phrase "I take up against you" suggests a personal and direct confrontation. The Hebrew root "נָשָׂא" (nasa) means to lift or carry, indicating that Amos is bearing a heavy burden of prophecy. This is not merely a message from Amos but a divine pronouncement from God. The use of "against you" underscores the adversarial nature of the message; it is a charge or indictment against Israel for their sins. This reflects the role of the prophet as a mediator between God and the people, delivering a message that is both a warning and a call to repentance.

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. House of Israel
Refers to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which had fallen into idolatry and social injustice, prompting God's message of lamentation through Amos.

3. Lamentation
A form of mourning or expression of sorrow, often used in the context of impending judgment or disaster. In this verse, it signifies the seriousness of the message Amos is delivering.

Teaching Points

The Call to Listen
Amos begins with "Hear this word," emphasizing the importance of listening to God's message. In our lives, we must prioritize hearing and understanding God's Word, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions.

The Reality of Judgment
The lamentation signifies impending judgment. We must recognize the seriousness of sin and the reality of God's righteous judgment, leading us to repentance and transformation.

The Heart of God
Despite the message of judgment, the lamentation reflects God's sorrow over the state of His people. This teaches us about God's compassionate heart and His desire for us to return to Him.

Repentance and Restoration
The call to lamentation is also a call to repentance. We are encouraged to examine our lives, turn away from sin, and seek restoration in our relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the term "lamentation" reveal about God's attitude towards the sin of Israel, and how does this apply to our understanding of God's view of sin today?

2. How can we ensure that we are truly "hearing" God's Word in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to apply it?

3. In what ways does the message of Amos 5:1 challenge us to examine our own lives for areas of unfaithfulness or injustice?

4. How do the themes of judgment and repentance in Amos 5:1 connect with the broader account of redemption found in the New Testament?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's call to repentance. How did you respond, and what changes did it bring about in your life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 1:4
This verse also addresses the sinful nature of Israel, highlighting the nation's rebellion against God, similar to the message Amos delivers.

Jeremiah 7:29
Like Amos, Jeremiah calls for lamentation over the spiritual state of Israel, emphasizing the need for repentance.

Hosea 4:1
Hosea, a contemporary of Amos, also speaks against Israel's unfaithfulness, underscoring the consistent prophetic call for the nation to return to God.