Amos Part 04

Amos 5 begins with what may be a new prophetic utterance. It is a lamentation, a formal mourning for Israel. The phrase “the virgin of Israel is fallen” could imply that she has “lost virginity,” a symbolic reference to the spiritual fornication of idol worship (Hosea 2:5–13). The declaration that she will “rise no more” likely refers to this era, as many other prophecies speak of Israel’s restoration as a kingdom during the Millennium—suggesting that this is primarily an end-time prophecy, making it relevant to readers today.  

In verse 3, only one-tenth are said to survive, alluding to Ezekiel 20:33–38 where Israel is “passing under the rod,” a method used for counting the tithe of livestock. Similarly, Ezekiel 5:1–4 portrays Ezekiel shaving his hair—burning one-third, chopping one-third with a sword, and scattering the rest, with only a few strands kept in his garment—perhaps symbolizing the small number of Israelites who will survive.

Next, the people are urged to “seek the Lord and live,” not the false calf worship centered in Bethel and Gilgal (verses 4–7). The name “Beth-el” (House of God) will become “Beth-aven” (House of nothing), as “aven” means nothing, or iniquity—showing how idolatry empties even sacred places of meaning.

Verses 8–9 remind Israel that God appointed the stars, referencing His unmatched power as seen in Job 9:9 and 38:31. Despite this, verse 10 notes that the people hate correction, and attack those who are in the right—a clear mark of spiritual rebellion. In verses 11–12, the rulers and wealthy are condemned because they “tread down the poor,” reflecting widespread corruption. This mirrors the modern era and foreshadows similar consequences.

The phrase, “the prudent keep silence,” in verse 17 reminds us that there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent, echoing the warning in Matthew 7:6 not to “cast your pearls before swine.”

Verses 14–15 offer a classic statement from God on what to do in life, “Hate evil, love good; establish justice.” This matches the “weightier matters of the law” in Matthew 23:23—judgment, mercy and faith—and the instruction of Micah 6:8: “do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” The promise that God will be “gracious to the remnant” must refer to the future, since Israel was strong and prosperous when Amos gave this prophecy. This is another indication that the message is for the end-times as well.

In verses 18–20, Amos warns, “Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD.” Whether in Amos’s time or the end-time, this “day” is not a time of reward for most, but of punishment. The Day of the LORD is referenced in Isaiah 2:12, Joel 2:1, Joel 3:14, and Malachi 4:5. Even those hoping for protection should not “desire that day,” since so many will suffer. What we should desire is what comes after. The Day of the LORD is described as a “day of darkness” which could be literal, connected to heavenly signs and the fifth of the Seven Last Plagues, or symbolic of a time of severe judgment and sorrow.

Finally, verses 21–27 show that God hated their counterfeit feast days that Israel kept (1 Kings 12:32–33). The people worshiped false gods such as Chiun and Sikkuth. This passage is quoted in Acts 7:42–43 during Stephen’s sermon, though he says “Babylon” instead of “Damascus,” perhaps recognizing that Israel’s migration had continued far beyond Damascus. The implication is clear: Israel offered sacrifices to false gods—even while following the pillar of cloud and fire in the wilderness. This suggests that they either half-heartedly worshiped God while clinging to idols or fully turned to idol worship while appearing outwardly religious.

It takes some effort to see how these words apply to us today. While the exact circumstances vary, patterns of thought and behavior exist. If we learn to recognize the patterns, we can see how the adversary affects people, and how God calls them to repentance, and then to judgment.  

We see unacceptable worship, warnings to the complacent, pride before a fall and the correction that inevitably follows a rejection of the encouragement to repent. 

Minor Prophets class is taught at ABC by Dr. Frank Dunkle.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.