Amos 7:12

“And Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there.”

Context:Amos was a prophet during the reign of Jeroboam II, the king of Israel, and he delivered his prophecies primarily to the northern kingdom. During this time, Israel was experiencing a period of prosperity, but also great moral decay and social injustice. Amos was called by God to deliver a message of warning and judgment against the people.

The Encounter:In this verse, Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, confronts Amos. Bethel was a significant religious center in the northern kingdom of Israel, but it had become corrupted with idolatry and false worship. Amaziah, likely acting on behalf of the king or the religious establishment, tells Amos to leave and prophesy elsewhere.

Amaziah’s Reaction:Amaziah addresses Amos as a “seer,” which was a term used to refer to a prophet. However, his intent in calling Amos a seer is likely derogatory or sarcastic, as he tells him to “flee thee away into the land of Judah.” Essentially, Amaziah is telling Amos to leave Israel and go back to Judah, his homeland, and prophesy there. He suggests that Amos is only prophesying for personal gain or as a means of sustenance.

Amos’s Response:Amos, undeterred by Amaziah’s rebuke, responds in the following verses (Amos 7:13-17) with a firm declaration of his divine calling and the message he has been given by God. He emphasizes that he was not a professional prophet but a humble herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit, whom the Lord called to deliver His message to Israel.

Lessons from Amos 7:12:

• The Call of God:Amos demonstrates that God can call anyone, regardless of their occupation or social standing, to carry out His work. Amos was a shepherd and a farmer, but God chose him to be a prophet. This reminds us that God looks at the heart and calls those whom He deems fit for His purposes.
• Opposition to God’s Word:Amaziah’s reaction highlights the resistance and opposition that often accompanies the proclamation of God’s message. Even today, the truth of God’s Word may be rejected or opposed by those who do not want to hear it. As believers, we should be prepared to face opposition but remain steadfast in proclaiming God’s truth.
• Faithfulness and Obedience:Amos’s response demonstrates his faithfulness to God’s calling. Despite Amaziah’s attempt to discourage him, Amos remained committed to delivering the message he had received from the Lord. This serves as a reminder to us that we should be faithful and obedient to God’s call on our lives, even in the face of opposition or discouragement.

In conclusion, Amos 7:12 captures a pivotal moment in the life of the prophet Amos, highlighting his encounter with Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. This verse teaches us valuable lessons about God’s calling, the opposition that may arise when delivering God’s message, and the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God’s will.