Amos 8:13

In that day the lovely young women--the young men as well--will faint from thirst.

Study Bible

In that day
This phrase is a prophetic marker often used in the Old Testament to denote a specific time of divine intervention or judgment. In the context of Amos, "that day" refers to a future time when God's judgment will be fully realized upon Israel due to their persistent disobedience and idolatry. Historically, this points to the period leading up to the Assyrian conquest, a time of great upheaval and distress for the Northern Kingdom. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the certainty of God's justice and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.

the lovely young women
The Hebrew word for "lovely" here is "na'arah," which can denote beauty and youthfulness. In ancient Israelite society, young women were often seen as symbols of vitality and hope for the future. The mention of their fainting underscores the severity of the coming judgment; even those who are typically full of life and vigor will be brought low. This serves as a poignant illustration of the totality of God's judgment, affecting all demographics without discrimination.

the young men as well
The inclusion of "young men" alongside "lovely young women" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the impending calamity. Young men, often seen as the strength and protectors of the community, will also succumb to the dire conditions. The Hebrew term "bachur" refers to a choice or select young man, highlighting that even the best and strongest will not escape the consequences of the nation's sins. This reflects the biblical principle that no human strength can withstand the righteous judgment of God.

will faint
The verb "faint" in Hebrew is "ya'aph," which conveys a sense of exhaustion and collapse. This is not merely physical thirst but a spiritual and existential depletion. The imagery of fainting suggests a complete lack of resources and hope, a direct result of turning away from God, the true source of life and sustenance. It serves as a stark warning of the spiritual consequences of forsaking the covenant relationship with God.

from thirst
Thirst in this context is both literal and metaphorical. Literally, it points to a drought or lack of water, a common judgment motif in the Old Testament. Metaphorically, it represents a deeper spiritual thirst, a longing for the word of God that has been neglected. Amos earlier prophesied a famine of hearing the words of the Lord (Amos 8:11), and this thirst is a direct consequence of that famine. It underscores the essential need for God's word as the sustenance for life, both physically and spiritually. The historical context of Israel's reliance on agriculture and the devastating impact of drought further amplifies the severity of this judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, who was called by God to deliver messages of judgment to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

2. Israel
The Northern Kingdom, which had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and social injustice.

3. Young Women and Young Men
Representing the vitality and future of the nation, their fainting from thirst symbolizes the spiritual and physical desolation due to God's judgment.

4. Thirst
A metaphor for spiritual deprivation and the absence of God's word and presence.

5. In that day
Refers to a specific time of divine judgment and reckoning for Israel's sins.

Teaching Points

Spiritual Thirst and Deprivation
Just as physical thirst can lead to fainting, spiritual thirst results from a lack of God's word and presence. We must prioritize regular engagement with Scripture to avoid spiritual desolation.

The Consequences of Turning Away
Israel's idolatry and injustice led to God's judgment. We must examine our lives for areas where we may be turning away from God and seek repentance.

The Importance of God's Word
The famine of hearing God's word in Amos serves as a warning. We should cherish and diligently study the Bible, ensuring it remains central in our lives.

Hope in Christ
While Amos speaks of judgment, the New Testament offers hope through Jesus, the living water. We are invited to find our spiritual satisfaction in Him.

Intergenerational Impact
The mention of young men and women highlights how spiritual neglect affects future generations. We must invest in teaching and modeling faith for the next generation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the metaphor of thirst in Amos 8:13 relate to your current spiritual state? Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually dehydrated?

2. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "famine" of God's word. What steps can you take to ensure you are regularly nourished by Scripture?

3. In what ways can the church today guard against the spiritual complacency that led to Israel's judgment in Amos?

4. How can the promise of living water in John 4:13-14 encourage you in times of spiritual dryness?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that the next generation is spiritually equipped and not left "faint from thirst"?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Amos 8:11-12
These verses describe a famine of hearing the words of the Lord, which directly connects to the thirst mentioned in verse 13, emphasizing the spiritual barrenness.

Isaiah 55:1-3
Invites those who are thirsty to come to the waters, contrasting the spiritual thirst in Amos with the satisfaction found in God's word.

John 4:13-14
Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about living water, offering eternal satisfaction, which contrasts with the physical and spiritual thirst in Amos.

Revelation 7:16-17
Describes a future where believers will neither hunger nor thirst, highlighting the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to satisfy His people.