Amos 6:10

And when the relative who is to burn the bodies picks them up to remove them from the house, he will call to one inside, "Is anyone else with you?" "None," that person will answer. "Silence," the relative will retort, "for the name of the LORD must not be invoked."

Study Bible

And when the relative
The Hebrew word for "relative" here is "דּוֹד" (dod), which can mean a beloved one or a close family member. In the context of ancient Israel, family ties were strong, and the duty of caring for the deceased often fell to close relatives. This highlights the personal and communal impact of the judgment Amos is prophesying, as it affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.

who is to burn the bodies
The act of burning bodies was not a common practice in Israelite culture, where burial was the norm. This phrase indicates a time of extreme crisis, likely due to a plague or overwhelming death toll, where traditional burial practices could not be maintained. It underscores the severity of God's judgment upon Israel, as prophesied by Amos, and the desperation of the situation.

picks them up to carry them out of the house
This phrase paints a vivid picture of the aftermath of divine judgment. The act of carrying out the dead signifies the removal of impurity from the household, a necessary step to restore ritual cleanliness. It also reflects the somber duty of the living to honor the dead, even in times of calamity.

he will call to one inside the house
The calling out to someone inside the house suggests a search for survivors or a final check for any remaining life. It reflects the isolation and desolation that has befallen the household, a microcosm of the larger judgment on the nation.

'Is there anyone else with you?'
This question underscores the loneliness and devastation left in the wake of judgment. It is a poignant reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and the thoroughness of God's justice, leaving no stone unturned.

'No,' he will answer
The response of "No" confirms the totality of the destruction. It is a moment of realization and acceptance of the divine judgment that has been executed. This stark answer reflects the fulfillment of the prophetic warnings given by Amos.

'Silence,' he will reply
The command for silence is significant. In Hebrew, "הַס" (has) is an imperative for quietness, often used in contexts of reverence or fear. Here, it suggests a recognition of the solemnity of the moment and the presence of divine judgment. It is a call to reflect on the gravity of the situation and the holiness of God.

'for the name of the LORD must not be invoked.'
This phrase indicates a prohibition against invoking God's name, possibly due to the fear of further judgment or as a sign of respect for the divine presence. In ancient Israel, the name of the LORD was sacred and not to be used lightly. This reflects a deep awareness of God's holiness and the seriousness of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Relative
This person is responsible for the grim task of burning the bodies, indicating a time of great calamity and death.

2. House
Represents the place of death and desolation, a symbol of the judgment that has come upon the people.

3. The Name of the LORD
The sacred name of God, which the relative instructs not to invoke, highlighting the severity of the situation and the fear of further judgment.

Teaching Points

The Severity of God's Judgment
Amos 6:10 illustrates the seriousness of God's judgment on Israel. The silence and fear of invoking God's name reflect the depth of their sin and the resulting desolation.

Reverence for God's Name
The instruction not to invoke God's name underscores the need for reverence and the recognition of His holiness, especially in times of judgment.

The Consequences of Complacency
The context of Amos 6 warns against complacency and self-indulgence, which can lead to spiritual decay and eventual judgment.

The Importance of Repentance
This passage serves as a call to repentance, reminding believers of the need to turn back to God before judgment comes.

The Role of Community in Times of Crisis
The presence of a relative performing burial duties highlights the importance of community support and responsibility during times of crisis.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the role of the relative in Amos 6:10 teach us about community responsibilities during times of crisis?

2. How does the fear of invoking God's name in this passage reflect the people's understanding of His holiness and judgment?

3. In what ways does Amos 6:10 challenge us to examine areas of complacency in our own lives?

4. How can we apply the lessons of reverence for God's name in our daily worship and prayer life?

5. What parallels can we draw between the judgment described in Amos 6 and the warnings found in other prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 10:1-3
The fear of invoking God's name inappropriately is reminiscent of the judgment on Nadab and Abihu for offering unauthorized fire before the LORD.

Isaiah 8:19
This passage warns against seeking guidance from the dead, emphasizing the importance of reverence for God's name and commands.

Jeremiah 7:16
God instructs Jeremiah not to pray for the people, showing a time when invoking God's name would not bring mercy due to persistent disobedience.