May 17, 2021: Day 72 – Amos 3

Amos continues his warning to Israel and he uses rhetorical questioning in order to do it.  He begins by reminding us that God has spoken out strongly against the people of Israel.  He puts a historical context to it, in case people forget who the people of Israel are.  You know, the ones that God brought out of Egypt, you, people of Israel.  He speaks to Israel as the one, the only one, whom God has known, and as loved, and has considered His people.  No others were given that title, no others were considered the children of God in the way that the people of Israel were considered the people of God.  As a result, they will be punished in a unique way as well.

He gives a whole series of questions that allow only for answers that would consolidate what he has planned.  The reason why God is going to act in such a way is because Israel has acted in such a treacherous and unfaithful way.  It should be clear to everyone and plain to see that God’s plans are a result of Israel’s actions.  God, in many ways, has no choice, just like a lion only roars in the forest when it has prey, so God can only strike against Israel when Israel has been unfaithful.  The consistency and the predictability of God should not be underestimated.  

But just in case those in Judah are feeling pretty secure and smug because this prophecy is against the north, is against Israel, God includes the south, Judah, here as well.  When Israel is punished, then the altar shall lose its power, the horns will be cut off.  The protection that Judah had from the presence of God will disappear.