Israel’s privileged status did not exempt them from accountability before God. Instead, it heightened the need for Israel’s repentance and realignment with His will.

Privilege and Responsibility

“You only have I known of all the families of the earth;
Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2)

Amos 3:2 highlights that Israel was a privileged nation, chosen and beloved by God. Yet, their repeated sins stirred God's righteous anger. Their privileged status did not shield them from accountability; rather, it heightened their responsibility to live according to God’s commands. Ultimately, their evil and disobedient behaviour triggered God's discipline of them.

Accountability before God

Amos uses rhetorical questions to announce judgment on the disobedient Israelites. In verse 6, he shifts from animal imagery (Amos 3:3-5) to the imagery of fear and the terror of battle.

He asks, “If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people tremble?”

Then he continues, “If a calamity occurs in a city, has not the Lord done it?”

The answer to both questions: Yes.

Through these questions, Amos urged the people to pause and consider the impending danger caused by their behavior. He reminded them that their calamity was not accidental but a direct act of discipline from God.

A Call to Repentance

However, the punishments given to Israel did not signify that God stopped loving them. On the contrary, God’s discipline is rooted in His love. God raised His prophet to warn the people about His judgment, calling them to repentance.

As echoed in Amos 1 and 2, we must remember that our God is faithful and just, and as long as we confess our sins, He will cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Walking in Agreement with God

Another important consideration for us to reflect on is how our daily lives align with God’s will.

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)

This verse calls not only for harmony in marriages and relationships but also for alignment with God. In Amos' message, Israel was urged to align with God’s will and purpose, for they could not expect His favour while walking contrary to Him.

Yet, do we fully understand what it means to walk with God? A life of unbroken worship is only possible when we walk in agreement with Him. To walk with God, we must align our will to His, release distractions, and seek to please Him.

Just as Israel was warned through the prophets, we ought to be attentive to our behaviours and recognise that with privilege comes accountability.

Perhaps this is a timely reminder for us to reflect on areas in our lives where we may be out of step with God's will. And if such discrepancies exist, let us pray for the courage to repent and seek to align our actions and decisions with His will.