Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.
Read it in contextA Lamentation against Israel
Start reading at Amos 5:1 (Amos 5:1 to Amos 5:3).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness.
5:1Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.
5:2The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.
5:3For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Amos, a herdsman from Tekoa, is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Amos 1:1; Amos 7:14. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Amos 3:1–6:14): Israel, especially its privileged families and leaders in Samaria, is addressed; the warning also challenges those at ease in Zion. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Principally the northern kingdom of Israel, while the opening judgments also concern neighboring nations and Judah. Biblical references: Amos 1:1; Amos 2:4; Amos 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? A Lamentation against Israel. Read Amos 5:1 through Amos 5:3 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Amos dates his words by the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam and by the earthquake. The announced day and later restoration are subjects of prophecy, not simple dates of composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Amos is identified with Tekoa, while the messages focus on Israel and also address Judah and surrounding peoples. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A Lamentation against Israel (Amos 5:1 to Amos 5:3).
Start reading at Amos 5:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? James cites the promise concerning David's fallen tabernacle in the discussion of Gentiles in Acts 15. This is an explicit apostolic use of Amos, not a warrant to ignore the book's rebukes of injustice. See Amos 9:11, Acts 15:15, Acts 15:16, Acts 15:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Reject worship that coexists with exploitation and complacency. Listen to the accusations as well as the closing promise of restoration. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Amos 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Amos identifies his background and locates his words in the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam. The book addresses Israel's injustice and false religious security while also announcing judgment on neighboring peoples. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Amos
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Amos identifies his background and locates his words in the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam. The book addresses Israel's injustice and false religious security while also announcing judgment on neighboring peoples.
Connection to the wholeThe visions and confrontation with Amaziah bring the announced judgment into sharp focus while distinguishing the LORD's command from the prophet's own status.