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Amos 1 Commentary

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Amos 1:1-2 meaning

Amos receives God’s revelation concerning Israel during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah and Jeroboam II, king of Israel.

Amos 1:3-5 meaning

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Damascus because they slaughtered the people of Gilead.

Amos 1:6-8 meaning

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Gaza because they deported an entire population of Israel to Edom.

Amos 1:9-10 meaning

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Tyre because they deported an entire population of Israel to Edom and violated the covenant of brotherhood.

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Edom because they pursued their Israelite brothers with the sword.

The LORD pronounces judgment on the inhabitants of Ammon because they ripped open pregnant women in Gilead to enlarge their territory.


Amos 1 contains a brief historical account on the prophetic ministry of Amos, providing the reader with the date of Amos's ministry and how the LORD has called him to minister to Israel. This historical account is followed by a description of God's pronouncement of judgment on five pagan nations—Syria, Philistia, Phoenicia, Edom, and Ammon. Such a pronouncement of judgment continues throughout the second chapter, which begins with Moab and culminates with God's chosen people, namely, Judah and Israel. All these nations fall under the divine judgment because each has committed offenses against the holy God.