Amos 7:14

"I was not a prophet," Amos replied, "nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees.

Study Bible

I was not a prophet
The Hebrew word for "prophet" is "נָבִיא" (navi). Amos begins by clarifying his identity, emphasizing that he did not come from a prophetic lineage or school. This statement underscores the divine calling that transcends human qualifications or expectations. In the ancient Near East, prophets were often seen as part of a professional class, but Amos's declaration highlights that God's call can come to anyone, regardless of their background.

nor was I the son of a prophet
This phrase further emphasizes Amos's outsider status. In ancient Israel, being the "son of a prophet" could imply being part of a prophetic guild or community. Amos's assertion that he was not a prophet's son reinforces the idea that his authority and message come directly from God, not from human institutions or traditions. This serves as a reminder that God often chooses the unlikely and the humble to fulfill His purposes.

rather, I was a herdsman
The term "herdsman" is translated from the Hebrew word "בּוֹקֵר" (boqer), which refers to someone who tends cattle or sheep. This occupation was considered humble and ordinary, yet it is precisely from this simple background that God called Amos. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God chooses individuals from modest beginnings, such as David the shepherd or the disciples who were fishermen, to carry out His divine plans.

and a tender of sycamore-fig trees
The phrase "tender of sycamore-fig trees" comes from the Hebrew "בּוֹלֵס שִׁקְמִים" (boles shiqmim). The sycamore-fig tree was common in the region and required a specific process of cultivation. This detail about Amos's occupation provides insight into his life and the agrarian society of ancient Israel. It also symbolizes the nurturing and attentive care that Amos would bring to his prophetic mission, tending to the spiritual needs of Israel with the same diligence he applied to his work with the trees.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A humble shepherd and caretaker of sycamore-fig trees from Tekoa, called by God to be a prophet to Israel. His background emphasizes his ordinary status and God's extraordinary calling.

2. Tekoa
A small town in Judah, south of Jerusalem, known for its rugged terrain. It is the hometown of Amos, highlighting his rural and humble origins.

3. Prophets
Individuals called by God to deliver His messages to the people. Amos distinguishes himself from the traditional lineage of prophets, emphasizing his unique calling.

4. Sycamore-Fig Trees
A type of fig tree that Amos tended, symbolizing his work in agriculture and his connection to the land.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom to which Amos was sent to prophesy. At the time, Israel was experiencing prosperity but was spiritually and morally corrupt.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereign Choice
God often chooses unlikely individuals to carry out His work, emphasizing His sovereignty and the power of His calling over human qualifications.

Humility in Service
Amos's background as a shepherd and fig tree caretaker reminds us that humility and faithfulness in small tasks prepare us for greater responsibilities in God's kingdom.

Obedience to God's Call
Despite his lack of traditional prophetic credentials, Amos obeyed God's call, demonstrating that willingness and obedience are more important than status or experience.

The Power of God's Message
The authority of Amos's message came from God, not his background, reminding us that the power of God's Word transcends the messenger's personal qualifications.

Faithfulness in the Ordinary
Amos's account encourages us to be faithful in our everyday roles, trusting that God can use our ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Amos's background as a shepherd and caretaker of sycamore-fig trees influence your understanding of God's calling in your own life?

2. In what ways does the account of Amos challenge the notion that only those with formal religious training can be used by God?

3. How can you apply the principle of humility in service from Amos's life to your current roles and responsibilities?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified for a task God called you to. How does Amos's account encourage you to trust in God's equipping?

5. What other biblical figures can you think of who were called from humble beginnings to serve God in significant ways, and how do their accounts inspire you?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 16
The calling of David, a shepherd, to be king, parallels Amos's calling, showing that God often chooses the humble and unexpected to fulfill His purposes.

Matthew 4
The calling of the fishermen disciples by Jesus reflects the theme of God calling ordinary people to extraordinary missions.

1 Corinthians 1
Paul speaks of God choosing the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the wise and strong, aligning with Amos's humble origins and divine calling.