Amos 5:19

It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake.

Study Bible

It will be like a man
This phrase sets the stage for a vivid simile, a common literary device in Hebrew prophecy. The "man" represents the people of Israel, who are the primary audience of Amos's message. In the Hebrew context, the "man" is everyman, symbolizing the collective experience of the nation. This imagery is meant to be relatable and personal, drawing the listener into the narrative.

who flees from a lion
The lion in ancient Near Eastern culture often symbolized danger and power. In the Hebrew Bible, lions are frequently used to depict God's judgment or a formidable enemy (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:34-37). Here, the lion represents an immediate and terrifying threat from which the man escapes. This escape might initially seem like a relief, but it is only temporary.

only to encounter a bear
The bear, another symbol of danger, suggests a different but equally deadly threat. In the ancient world, bears were known for their ferocity, especially when provoked or protecting their young (2 Kings 2:24). The transition from lion to bear emphasizes the inescapability of divine judgment. The Israelites might avoid one calamity, only to face another, underscoring the futility of trying to escape God's righteous judgment.

who enters his house
The house is traditionally a place of safety and refuge. In the Hebrew mindset, one's home was a sanctuary from the outside world. This phrase suggests a false sense of security, as the man believes he has finally found safety. The house symbolizes the complacency and false assurance of the Israelites, who think they can find peace without true repentance.

and rests his hand against the wall
Resting one's hand against the wall implies a moment of relaxation and relief. The wall, a structural support, represents stability and protection. In this context, it signifies the Israelites' reliance on their own strength and understanding. However, this reliance is misplaced, as the subsequent events reveal.

only to have a snake bite him
The snake, often associated with deceit and danger (Genesis 3:1-15), represents an unexpected and insidious threat. The bite is sudden and lethal, symbolizing the unforeseen consequences of Israel's spiritual complacency and disobedience. This imagery serves as a stark warning that judgment will come when least expected, and no earthly refuge can protect against divine retribution.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, Amos was called by God to deliver a message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies are characterized by a strong call for justice and righteousness.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom, which had fallen into idolatry and social injustice. Amos's message was directed towards their impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness to God.

3. Lion and Bear
Symbolic representations of danger and judgment. In the context of Amos, they represent the inescapable nature of God's judgment.

4. House
Represents a place of perceived safety and security. The imagery of entering a house only to be bitten by a snake underscores the futility of seeking refuge from God's judgment through human means.

5. Snake
A symbol of unexpected danger and judgment. It highlights the inevitability and surprise of God's judgment when one thinks they are safe.

Teaching Points

The Inevitability of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is unavoidable for those who persist in sin. Just as the man in Amos 5:19 cannot escape danger, neither can we escape God's righteous judgment without repentance.

False Security
Trusting in worldly security or human solutions is futile when facing divine judgment. True safety is found only in repentance and obedience to God.

The Surprise of Judgment
Judgment can come unexpectedly, like a snake bite. We must live in readiness, aligning our lives with God's will to avoid being caught off guard.

The Call to Repentance
Amos's message is a call to repentance. We must examine our lives, turn from sin, and seek God's mercy to avoid the consequences of judgment.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets like Amos serve as God's messengers, warning of judgment and calling for repentance. We should heed their messages and apply them to our lives today.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of fleeing from a lion only to encounter a bear illustrate the nature of God's judgment?

2. In what ways do people today seek false security, and how can we ensure our security is in God alone?

3. How can we prepare ourselves to avoid being caught off guard by God's judgment, as illustrated by the snake bite in the house?

4. What role do modern-day "prophets" or spiritual leaders play in calling us to repentance, and how can we discern their messages?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Amos 5:19 to our personal lives and communities to foster a culture of righteousness and justice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 24:17-18
This passage also speaks of the inescapable nature of God's judgment, where fleeing from one danger leads to another.

Jeremiah 48:44
Similar imagery is used to describe the futility of escaping God's judgment, emphasizing that human efforts to avoid divine retribution are in vain.

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. This contrasts the fear and insecurity of those under judgment with the confidence of the righteous.