Monday, November 18 – Amos 4, 5

1. What effect did the Lord intend the trials to have on Israel? (Amos 4:6)

2. What will happen to God’s people if, like other nations, they ignore His judgments? (Amos 4:12)

3. What warning does the prophet give to those who desire the day of the Lord? (Amos 5:18)

Commentary and Reflection:

Amos, the prophet, was called to rebuke Israel’s apostasy—Samaria or the northern kingdom—a little before Isaiah’s time. Isaiah’s ministry was primarily in Judah. In this book section, God, through Amos, rebukes and pronounces judgments.

“‘Bashan is situated in the northeastern part of Palestine, east of the Jordan River (see The Ministry of Amos in the Days of Jeroboam II). The land was famous for its rich pastures and large herds of cattle (see Deut. 32:14; Ps. 22:12; Eze. 39:18). The striking figure of comparison here employed is what one might expect Amos the herdsman to use (see on Amos 1:1). (SDA Bible Commentary, Amos 4:1).

When Amos mentions “the cows of Bashan,” he is likely referring to the wealthy women of the ruling class. Amos pronounces judgments on the ruling class of Israel because they “oppress the poor, who crush the needy” (Amos 4:1).

The theme of neglecting and oppressing the poor is a recurring one in Amos: “Because you trample on the poor…”

“For I know your manifold transgressions
And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes;
Diverting the poor from justice at the gate” (Amos 5:12).

The Lord is attentive to the injustices suffered by the poor and oppressed. He defends their cause and pronounces judgment on the oppressor. Interestingly, Amos writes that “the prudent keep silent at that time, for it is an evil time” (Amos 5:13). There are times when it is wise to remain silent.

God sarcastically encourages them to go to Bethel and Gilgal, the important centers of worship in the northern kingdom. These were places Jeroboam I, the first king of the divided kingdom of Israel, established to replace the true worship in Jerusalem at the site chosen by the Lord.

A refrain then emerges that goes to the heart of this chapter’s message. God laments that He brought judgments upon Israel to draw their attention: He brought hunger, drought, plagues, and death; he grieves, “Yet you have not returned to Me.”

God sought in every way to turn His people back to Him. As a last resort, He sent His judgments. Through Amos, He repeatedly lamented, “Yet you have not returned to Me.” Turning to God means looking to Him, heeding His voice, and seeking His fellowship. We have no power to save ourselves, but when we turn to Him, He can save us.

Today, many things compete for our attention—our desires and needs, entertainment, cultural influences, enemy distractions, flaws, and conflicts. Instead of struggling alone to resolve problems, find peace, or make changes, the Lord invites us to “Return to Me.” He can and will do mighty work for us.

Following the repeated lament in Chapter 4, there is a warning:

“Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel;
Because I will do this to you,
Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” (Amos 4:12).

“This verse states the keynote of Amos’ second message (see on v. 1). God warns Israel that He is about to hale the nation into court, as it were. They will do well to prepare their case, if they have one.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Amos 4:12).

In chapter 5, another refrain repeats, “Seek the Lord.”

The Israelites believed in and anticipated “the day of the Lord,” expecting it to be a time when the Lord would punish all non-Israelites. Amos warns them that if they do not seek the Lord and repent, formal religion, offerings, tithes, and sacrifices will not save them. There would be no difference between them and foreigners.

Did you notice two beautiful poems of praise in today’s reading?

The first:

“For behold,
He who forms mountains,
And creates the wind,
Who declares to man what his thought is,
And makes the morning darkness,
Who treads the high places of the earth—
The Lord God of hosts is His name” (Amos 4:13).

The second:

“He made the Pleiades and Orion;
He turns the shadow of death into morning
And makes the day dark as night;
He calls for the waters of the sea
And pours them out on the face of the earth;
The Lord is His name” (Amos 5:8).

It is my prayer that we may be sensitive to the invitation, “return to Me,” and “seek the Lord.”