Amos 7:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Amos turns the confrontation back on Amaziah, repeating the priest's attempt to silence God's word.
What Does Amos 7:16 Mean?
Having stated his call, Amos now delivers a word aimed at Amaziah himself: "Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD." He quotes the priest's own command back to him -- "Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac." The man who tried to silence the prophet must now listen to a prophecy spoken to him.
There is a grave reversal underway. Amaziah set himself against God's word, and so God's word now turns to address Amaziah's own life. To stand between God and His message is a perilous place to stand. The priest thought he was managing a troublesome preacher; in truth he was opposing the Lord who sent him. By repeating Amaziah's words, Amos shows that the refusal to hear has consequences, and that the one who silences the message becomes its subject.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amos 7:16
What does Amos 7:16 mean?
Amos turns the confrontation back on Amaziah, repeating the priest's attempt to silence God's word.