Amos 3:8

3:8 A lion has roared! ¹  Who is not afraid?

The sovereign Lord has spoken! Who can refuse to prophesy? ² 

Amos 7:5

7:5 I said, “Sovereign Lord, stop!

How can Jacob survive? ³ 

He is too weak!” ⁴ 

[3:8]  ¹ sn The roar of the lion is here a metaphor for impending judgment (see 1:2; cf. 3:4, 12). Verses 7-8 justify Amos’ prophetic ministry and message of warning and judgment. The people should expect a prophetic message prior to divine action.

[3:8]  ² sn Who can refuse to prophesy? When a message is revealed, the prophet must speak, and the news of impending judgment should cause people to fear.

[7:5]  ³ tn Heb “stand.”

[7:5]  ⁴ tn Heb “small.”