Amos 1:1-2
The LORD Roars from Zion
Read the passage
1These are the words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa—what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel.
2He said: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Amos introduces himself as one of the sheepherders of Tekoa. What he saw concerns Israel. The book places his words in the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
His opening announcement is forceful: “The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem.” The shepherds’ pastures mourn, and Carmel’s summit withers. God’s voice reaches the land on which people and their flocks depend.
Before the book names the charges against nations and rulers, it identifies the One who speaks. Amos’s ordinary work does not lessen the seriousness of the word he has received.
Questions
1 Who was Amos?
AnswerHe was among the sheepherders of Tekoa, a working man whom the LORD called to speak a difficult word to Israel.
2 What did Amos see?
AnswerHe saw a word concerning Israel, a prophetic message announcing that the LORD would roar from Zion against injustice.
3 When did he speak?
AnswerHe spoke during the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam of Israel, two years before the earthquake remembered by the people.
4 What does the LORD's voice affect?
AnswerIt makes the shepherds’ pastures mourn and the summit of Carmel wither, showing that no region is beyond the reach of the LORD’s judgment.
What This Means for Us
Amos is introduced through his work with sheep, yet the message he brings demands attention. The LORD’s word does not gain its authority from a messenger’s impressive position.
When someone brings you a concern, listen to what they say before judging them by their work, education, or place in a group. Check the message against Scripture. A person we might overlook may be telling us something we need to hear.
Prayer
Lord, teach us to listen carefully. Keep us from dismissing a truthful word because of its messenger, and make us attentive to the people and places affected by our choices. Amen.