Amos 7:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, it is clear that the prophet had no such ulterior motives; he did not seek material gain. Instead, he faithfully fulfilled God's calling. This is evidenced by the fact that he was neither a prophet by trade nor the son of one in spirit, like Elisha was to Elijah. Rather, he was a shepherd, leading an unassuming life, content with a modest existence sustained by the produce of the fields, specifically the sycamores, which were of little value. During leisurely moments, the shepherds would seek shade beneath the trees, finding laughter in the accusations of idleness as they gathered the fruit to satisfy their hunger.

In such humble circumstances, Amos declared that God had chosen him as a prophet to reveal the impending judgments to the people of Israel. In contrast, Amaziah, opposing God’s divine mandate with his own desires, ordered silence. Therefore, the Lord proclaimed that Amaziah's wife would be subjected to shame in the city, enduring the exploitation of those around her, while his children would fall victim to violence. Furthermore, the land that he thought was secure would be claimed by fear and tribute, subjected to the authorities. And despite his belief in his position within the sacred land of Bethel, Amaziah would be taken captive and meet a tragic end without returning.

This warning pointed not only to Amaziah's fate but also to the fate of Israel, which had appointed him as a prophet and overseer of the temple. To resist God’s calling is a grave folly, for it obstructs divine revelation and silences the holy; to such individuals it is said, “He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” It is crucial to recognize that the saints share a singular and noble purpose: to serve the message of God without regard for earthly concerns, regardless of the trials they may face. Thus, the valiant Amos, wholly disdainful of the wickedness of Amaziah, boldly spoke out against him. Likewise, when the Pharisees and scribes commanded the God-fearing disciples to be silent, they courageously declared, “If it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, judge for yourselves: for we cannot help but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

The interpretation from the Septuagint states that Amos replied to Amaziah, “I am not a prophet nor the son of a prophet; I am simply a shepherd gathering mulberries.” The Lord called me from caring for the sheep, saying, “Go and prophesy for my people Israel.” Therefore, hear the word of the Lord: you say that I should not prophesy against Israel or rally listeners against the house of Jacob. Thus, the Lord proclaims: your wife shall engage in unfaithfulness in the city, your sons and daughters will perish by the sword, your land will be divided, and you will die in an unclean land, while Israel will be forcibly taken into exile.

When the scribes and Pharisees, as declared in Scripture, insisted that the blessed apostles refrain from teaching in the name of Jesus, they responded, “It is more fitting to obey God than man” (Acts 5:29). The prophet Amos exemplified this boldness; when the high priest of the idol commanded him not to prophesy at Bethel, he did not comply. Instead, he demonstrated that he feared God, who sent him, far more than he feared the one trying to silence him, and he courageously proclaimed the consequences for those who sought to suppress God’s message.

Amos humbly stated that he was not a prophet, nor was he a prophet by lineage or upbringing, but when he tended the flock and gathered berries, the Lord appointed him. While commonly translated as a “herdsman,” the term used can imply shepherding of grazing animals, particularly goats—a detail supported by various translations. However, the mention of “the Lord took me” from “the sheep” leans towards referring to sheep rather than goats, as Leviticus refers to both sheep and goats as small livestock.

The term “picked mulberries” indicates gathering something vital for sustenance. Some suggest that these trees yield wild figs, which can be bitter if not collected. However, in the desert where Amos resided, the blackberry, which offers edible fruit, seems to be the more likely reference. Regardless of the specific plant, it is clear that the Lord selected this humble shepherd to convey a message to His people in Israel, commanding him to leave his territory and go to Samaria.

Amaziah’s proclamation against Amos did not deter him, for the Lord had instructed Amos to speak. In response, he conveyed the Lord’s warnings. The phrase “the house of the idol” translates Hebrews as “the house of laughter,” reflective of Isaac’s name. Where it states “and do not pour out words,” a more fitting translation suggests “rebuke not.” The expression denotes that the prophets often convey aspects of God's wrath gradually rather than all at once.

As for the consequences foretold, due to your exclamation, your wife shall experience dishonor in the public eye, and while it is sorrowful when a daughter is mistreated, the shame of a wife’s dishonor is profound. Similarly, although the loss of sons is grievous, it involves complex emotions for their father. Amaziah's affliction extends further: his land will be taken by foes and passed to new occupants, while he himself, who boasts of priestly authority, will not die in his homeland but will be taken captive and perish in a land tainted by impurity.

Amaziah’s name symbolizes stubbornness and insensitivity. His refusal to allow a true prophet the freedom to convey God’s word highlights his presumption. His wife, representing false teachings, shall meet reproach. His offspring, spawned from his misguided actions, will face divine judgment, while his land and possessions will fall into the hands of darkness. Ultimately, he will die in a defiled land devoid of God's presence, drowned in the delusions of a corrupted faith, and the people, falsely laying claim to the name of Israel, will be led away into bondage, not to serve God, but to yield to the misguidance of heretics and evil spirits.

He fills the tax collector and transforms him into a preacher. He fills the persecutor and equips him as a teacher of the nations. He fills the tax collector and converts him into an evangelist. Oh, what a marvelous Creator this Spirit is! There is no hesitation on His part to instruct in any way He desires. The moment He touches the mind, His teaching begins, as to touch is to instruct. Through illumination, He instantly discerns the spirit of man, altering it with divine swiftness: He suddenly transforms it from what it once was into something entirely new.