10 Then Amaziah , the priest of Bethel , sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel , saying , "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel ; the land is unable e to endure all his words . 11 "For thus Amos says , 'Jeroboam will die by the sword and Israel will certainly go from its land into exile .' " 12 Then Amaziah said to Amos , " Go , you seer , flee away to the land of Judah and there eat bread and there do your prophesying ! 13 "But no longer e prophesy at Bethel , for it is a sanctuary of the king and a royal residence ." 14 Then Amos replied to Amaziah , "I am not a prophet , nor am I the son of a prophet ; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs . 15 "But the Lord took me from following the flock and the Lord said to me, 'Go prophesy to My people Israel .' 16 "Now hear the word of the Lord : you are saying , 'You shall not prophesy against Israel nor shall you speak against the house of Isaac .' 17 "Therefore , thus says the Lord , 'Your wife will become a harlot in the city , your sons and your daughters will fall by the sword , your land will be parceled up by a measuring line and you yourself will die upon unclean soil . Moreover, Israel will certainly go from its land into exile .' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 7:10-17
Commentary on Amos 7:10-17
(Read Amos 7:10-17)
It is no new thing for the accusers of the brethren, to misrepresent them as enemies to the king and kingdom, as traitors to their prince, and troublers of the land, when they are the best friends to both. Those who make gain their godliness, and are governed by the hopes of wealth and preferment, are ready to think these the most powerful motives with others also. But those who have a warrant from God, like Amos, ought not to fear the face of man. If God, that sent him, had not strengthened him, he could not thus have set his face as a flint. The Lord often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty. But no fervent prayers, or self-denying labours, can bring proud sinners to bear faithful reproofs and warnings. And all who oppose or despise the Divine word, must expect fatal effects to their souls, unless they repent.