Page 44 - The Minor Prophets - Student textbook

destroy the altars of Bethel.”

The horns of the altar in Jerusalem had provided a refuge for fugitives. Those who caught hold of the
horns of the altar were granted asylum (1 Kings 1:50-53). This use of the horns sheds additional light on
God’s statement in Amos 3:14. Some scholars believe that God’s promise that the horns of the altar
would fall to the ground meant that there would be no place of asylum, no place to escape the coming
judgment.

Amos 3:15 indicates that the judgment would have deeply felt effects: “‘I will tear down the winter
house along with the summer house; the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed and the mansions
will be demolished,’ declares the Lord.” No amount of material prosperity would be able to save the
wicked. God’s judgment would destroy both the places of spiritual and material significance.

Yet the people of Israel would not be completely destroyed. Verse 12 says, “As the shepherd rescues
from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in
Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed.” A remnant would survive. In their
lowly state, they would be left only “the corner of a couch,” living in a state of poverty.

God’s desire in this prophecy was twofold. First, He longed for Israel to repent and turn from following
other gods. Second, since these predictions did come true, they attest to God’s supernatural ability to
foretell the future.

The destruction of the horns of the altar represents the downfall of idolatry and the removal of all safe
havens. When God’s people refuse to heed His Word, He brings a just and curative discipline upon
them.

Foreshadowings: The Book of Amos ends with a glorious promise for the future. “’I will plant Israel in
their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,’ says the LORD your God”
(9:15). The ultimate fulfillment of God’s land promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:7; 15:7; 17:8) will occur
during Christ’s millennial reign on earth (see Joel 2:26,27). Revelation 20 describes the thousand-year
reign of Christ on the earth, a time of peace and joy under the perfect government of the Savior
Himself. At that time, believing Israel and the Gentile Christians will be combined in the Church and will
live and reign with Christ.

Practical Application: Sometimes we think we are a "just-a"! We are just-a salesman, farmer or
housewife. Amos would be considered a "just-a." He wasn't a prophet or priest or the son of either. He
was just a shepherd, a small businessman in Judah. Who would listen to him? But instead of making
excuses, Amos obeyed and became God's powerful voice for change.

God has used "just-a's" such as shepherds, carpenters, and fishermen all through the Bible. Whatever
you are in this life, God can use you. Amos wasn't much. He was a "just-a." "Just-a" servant for God. It is
good to be God's "just-a."

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