Amos 8:11

Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land--not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.

Study Bible

Behold
The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an attention-grabbing term, urging the listener to pay close attention to the forthcoming message. In the prophetic literature, "behold" often introduces a significant divine revelation or judgment. It is a call to awareness, emphasizing the seriousness and certainty of God's pronouncement.

the days are coming
This phrase is a prophetic formula indicating an imminent future event. It suggests a certainty and inevitability about what God is about to do. In the context of Amos, it points to a time of divine intervention and judgment. Historically, this would resonate with the Israelites who were familiar with the cycles of judgment and redemption in their history.

declares the Lord GOD
The phrase "declares the Lord GOD" underscores the authority and sovereignty of the message. The Hebrew "אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (Adonai Yahweh) combines the titles of Lord and God, emphasizing His supreme power and covenantal relationship with Israel. This declaration is not merely a prediction but a divine decree that will surely come to pass.

when I will send a famine on the land
The concept of famine in the ancient Near East was a dire threat, often seen as a direct consequence of divine displeasure. The Hebrew word for famine, "רָעָב" (ra'av), typically refers to a scarcity of food. However, this famine is metaphorical, indicating a deeper spiritual crisis. The land, representing the people of Israel, will experience a profound lack of spiritual nourishment.

not a famine of bread or a thirst for water
This clarifies the nature of the famine, distinguishing it from physical hunger and thirst. Bread and water are basic necessities for physical survival, and their absence would be catastrophic. By specifying that this is not a physical famine, the text highlights the severity of the spiritual deprivation that is to come.

but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD
The Hebrew word for "hearing," "שְׁמֹעַ" (shemoa), implies not just listening but understanding and obeying. The "words of the LORD" refer to divine revelation, guidance, and instruction. This famine signifies a withdrawal of God's communication, a silence that would leave the people without direction or hope. In a historical context, this would be devastating for a people whose identity and survival were tied to their covenant relationship with God. Theologically, it serves as a warning of the consequences of persistent disobedience and rejection of God's word.

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 focused on social justice and divine judgment.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom, which was experiencing prosperity but also moral and spiritual decay. Amos directed his prophecies towards their injustices and idolatry.

3. The Lord GOD
The sovereign deity of Israel, who speaks through Amos to warn of impending judgment due to the people's disobedience and neglect of His word.

4. Famine
Typically understood as a severe shortage of food, but in this context, it symbolizes a lack of spiritual nourishment and guidance from God.

5. Hearing the Words of the LORD
Refers to the reception and understanding of God's messages, which were delivered through His prophets.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Hunger
Just as physical hunger drives us to seek food, spiritual hunger should drive us to seek God's word. We must prioritize spiritual nourishment in our lives.

Consequences of Neglect
Ignoring God's word leads to spiritual famine. We must be diligent in studying and applying Scripture to avoid spiritual drought.

Value of Prophetic Voice
The absence of God's word is a severe judgment. We should cherish and heed the teachings of Scripture and those who faithfully proclaim it.

Active Listening
Hearing God's word requires more than passive listening; it demands active engagement and obedience.

Preparation for Spiritual Famine
In times of spiritual abundance, we should store up God's word in our hearts to withstand future challenges.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a spiritual famine challenge your current approach to Bible study and prayer?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are actively "hearing" the words of the LORD in your daily life?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually dry. How did you seek to remedy that situation, and what role did Scripture play?

4. How can the church community help prevent a spiritual famine among its members?

5. What steps can you take to prepare for potential spiritual challenges, ensuring you remain rooted in God's word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 8:3
This verse emphasizes that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD, highlighting the importance of spiritual sustenance.

1 Samuel 3:1
Describes a time when the word of the LORD was rare, paralleling the spiritual famine Amos prophesies.

Psalm 74:9
Laments the absence of prophetic vision, similar to the famine of hearing God's words in Amos.

Matthew 4:4
Jesus quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, reinforcing the necessity of God's word for true life.

2 Timothy 4:3-4
Warns of a time when people will turn away from sound doctrine, akin to the spiritual famine Amos describes.