Amos’ Vision of Yahweh’s Fire

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

And he said, “Yahweh roars from Zion And from Jerusalem He gives forth His voice; And the shepherds’ pasture grounds mourn, And the top of Carmel dries up.”

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Damascus and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because they threshed Gilead with implements of sharp iron.

I will also break the gate bar of Damascus And cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven And him who holds the scepter from Beth-eden; So the people of Aram will go into exile to Kir,” Says Yahweh.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Gaza and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because they took away into exile the whole community of exiles To deliver it up to Edom.

I will also cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod And him who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will even turn My hand against Ekron, And the remnant of the Philistines will perish,” Says Lord Yahweh.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Tyre and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because they delivered up the whole community of exiles to Edom And did not remember the covenant of brotherhood.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Edom and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because he pursued his brother with the sword While he corrupted his compassion; And his anger also tore continually, And he kept his wrath forever.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of the sons of Ammon and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead In order to enlarge their borders.

And their king will go into exile, He and his princes together,” Says Yahweh.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Moab and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.

I will also cut off the judge from her midst And kill all her princes with him,” says Yahweh.

Punishment of Judah and Israel

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Judah and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because they rejected the law of Yahweh And have not kept His statutes; Their falsehood also has led them astray, That which their fathers walked after.

Thus says Yahweh, “For three transgressions of Israel and for four I will not turn back its punishment Because they sell the righteous for money And the needy for a pair of sandals.

Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets And some of your choice men to be Nazirites. Is this not so, O sons of Israel?” declares Yahweh.

Even the most courageous of heart among the mighty men will flee naked in that day,” declares Yahweh.

Yahweh Speaks Against Israel

Hear this word which Yahweh has spoken against you, sons of Israel, against the entire family which He brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,

If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble? If a calamity happens in a city has not Yahweh done it?

Surely Lord Yahweh does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His slaves the prophets.

A lion has roared! Who will not fear? Lord Yahweh has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

But they do not know how to do what is right,” declares Yahweh, “these who hoard up violence and devastation in their citadels.”

Therefore, thus says Lord Yahweh, “An adversary, even one surrounding the land, Will pull down your strength from you, And your citadels will be plundered.”

Thus says Yahweh, “Just as the shepherd delivers from the lion’s mouth a couple of legs or a piece of an ear, So will the sons of Israel inhabiting Samaria be delivered— With the corner of a bed and the cover of a couch!

Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Declares Lord Yahweh, the God of hosts.

I will also strike the winter house together with the summer house; The houses of ivory will also perish, And the great houses will come to an end,” Declares Yahweh.