In this message we will begin to consider Jehovah’s contending with the house of Jacob.
The content of 3:1—5:27 is Jehovah’s three reproofs to Israel.
The first reproof is recorded in chapter three.
Amos 3:1 indicates that the word in this chapter is Jehovah’s word against the whole family of Israel, which He brought up from Egypt.
Verse 2 says that since Israel was the only family of the earth whom Jehovah has known, He would visit upon them (judge them for) all their iniquities.
Verses 3 through 8 indicate that the cause of Jehovah’s visitation (punishment) was that Israel was not one with God. They had their own intention, goal, and purpose, and God had His. But God revealed all His secrets to His prophets. Israel, therefore, should have listened to the prophets.
Verses 9 through 12 go on to speak of the oppressions, violence, and devastation in Samaria and Jehovah’s visitation.
In verses 13 through 15 we have the transgressions of Israel at the altars of Bethel and Jehovah’s visitation. Bethel had become a place for the worship of idols. The winter house and the summer house in verse 15 were luxurious retreat houses. Here, such houses and the worship of idols are regarded as one thing. Those who went to the retreat houses for enjoyment were also those who worshipped idols at the altars of Bethel.
Jehovah’s second reproof to Israel is in chapter four.
Jehovah reproved Israel for oppressing the poor and crushing the needy and for saying to their lords, “Bring, and let us drink” (v. 1). On the one hand, they oppressed the poor, crushed the needy, and indulged themselves in pleasures. On the other hand, they were under God’s judgment (vv. 2-3).
Verses 4 and 5 are concerned with Israel’s idol worship in Bethel and Gilgal.
In verses 6 through 13 the prophet speaks regarding Jehovah’s visitation with the expectation of Israel’s return to Him and their preparation to meet Him who is the Creator and Ruler of all things.