Amos 1:1

"The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake."

Key Reflection

Amos 1:1 introduces us to the prophet Amos, who came from Tekoa, a small town in Judah that was likely known for its agricultural activities. As a herdsman by trade, Amos found himself called to deliver a prophetic message about Israel’s future, specifically during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel. This context is significant because it places his prophecy within a specific historical period, highlighting that even individuals from humble backgrounds can be chosen by God for important tasks. The mention of an earthquake two years later (not specified in this verse) underscores the urgency and weight of Amos's words, indicating impending judgment or change.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen - “Amos begins by setting forth his own nothingness, and withal the great grace of his Teacher and Instructor, the Holy Spirit, referring all to His glory.” He, like David, Peter, Paul, Matthew, was one of “the weak things of the world, whom God chose to confound the mighty.” He was himself a herdsman only “among herdsmen;” but the words which he spake were not his own. They were words which he saw, not with eyes of flesh, but “with that vision wherewith words can be seen, the seer’s vision in the mind.” They were “words concerning,” or rather “upon Israel,” heavy words coming upon the heavy transgressions of Israel.

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