Amos 8:11-14
Famine of Hearing
Read the passage
11Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.
12People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, seeking the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.
13In that day the lovely young women—the young men as well—will faint from thirst.
14Those who swear by the guilt of Samaria and say, ‘As surely as your god lives, O Dan,’ or, ‘As surely as the way of Beersheba lives’—they will fall, never to rise again.”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The LORD announces a famine of hearing His words. People will stagger from sea to sea and roam from north to east, searching for a word from Him. They will not find it.
The lovely young women and the young men will faint from thirst. Those who swear by the guilt of Samaria, the god of Dan, or the way of Beersheba will fall and never rise again. The worship they have trusted cannot save them.
This famine is something the LORD says He will send. Amos has been speaking His word to Israel, but the coming days will be different: people will seek it and hear no answer. Access to God’s word is a gift they must not take for granted.
Questions
1 What kind of famine would the LORD send?
AnswerHe would send a famine of hearing the words of the LORD, leaving people without the guidance they had repeatedly refused while bread and water were not the main problem.
2 What would people do during this famine?
AnswerThey would stagger from sea to sea and from north to east, searching desperately for the LORD’s word after treating it as disposable.
3 Would they find what they were seeking?
AnswerNo. Although they would search, they would not find His word. The LORD announces this absence as a famine He Himself will send.
4 What would happen to those who swore by false worship?
AnswerThey would fall and never rise again, because false worship cannot preserve the people who trust in it.
What This Means for Us
Thank God that you can open Scripture and hear it read. Give it your attention together, including the parts that correct you.
Before looking for something new to learn, consider what you already understand but have delayed obeying. An apology, an honest answer, or a needed change in how you treat someone may be the response called for today.
Prayer
LORD, make us attentive when You speak. Soften us before repeated refusal hardens us, and help us treasure Your word while we have the opportunity to hear it. Amen.