Hebrew Word Reference — Amos 7:15
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
To prophesy means to speak or sing under the influence of the divine spirit, as seen in the prophets of the Bible. This can include predicting the future or simply speaking God's message to others.
Definition: 1) to prophesy 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to prophesy 1a1a) under influence of divine spirit 1a1b) of false prophets 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to prophesy 1b1a) under influence of divine spirit 1b1b) of false prophets Aramaic equivalent: ne.va (נבא "to prophesy" H5013)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: prophesy(-ing), make self a prophet. See also: Numbers 11:25; Jeremiah 27:16; Jeremiah 2:8.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Context — Amaziah Accuses Amos
13But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.”
14“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees.
15But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’
16Now, therefore, hear the word of the LORD. You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel; do not preach against the house of Isaac.’
17Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be divided by a measuring line, and you yourself will die on pagan soil. And Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
2 Samuel 7:8 |
Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. |
| 2 |
Ezekiel 2:3–4 |
“Son of man,” He said to me, “I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me. To this very day they and their fathers have rebelled against Me. They are obstinate and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you are to say to them, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says.’ |
| 3 |
Jeremiah 1:7 |
But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. |
| 4 |
Matthew 9:9 |
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth. “Follow Me,” He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him. |
| 5 |
Psalms 78:70–72 |
He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. |
| 6 |
Matthew 4:18–19 |
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” |
| 7 |
Acts 1:8 |
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” |
| 8 |
Acts 5:29–32 |
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” |
| 9 |
Acts 5:20 |
“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people the full message of this new life.” |
| 10 |
Acts 4:20 |
For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” |
Amos 7:15 Summary
This verse tells us that God called Amos, a regular person who took care of sheep and trees, to be a prophet and speak to the people of Israel. Amos didn't choose to be a prophet, but God chose him and gave him a special job to do, similar to how God called other prophets like Moses and Jeremiah. This shows us that God can use anyone, no matter what their background or experience is, to do important work for Him (1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Matthew 4:18-22). It's a reminder that we should always be listening for God's voice and be willing to follow His leading, even if it takes us out of our comfort zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the LORD took Amos from following the flock?
This means that God called Amos away from his ordinary work as a shepherd to become a prophet, similar to how God called other prophets like Moses in Exodus 3:1-4:17 and Jeremiah in Jeremiah 1:4-10.
Why did God tell Amos to prophesy to His people Israel?
God instructed Amos to prophesy to Israel because they had turned away from Him and needed to be called back to repentance, as seen in Amos 7:16-17 and other prophetic books like Isaiah 1:1-31 and Jeremiah 2:1-37.
What is the significance of Amos' background as a herdsman and tender of sycamore-fig trees?
Amos' humble background emphasizes that God can use anyone, regardless of their occupation or experience, to fulfill His purposes, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and Matthew 4:18-22.
How does Amos' call relate to our own lives and ministries?
Amos' call reminds us that God can use us in unexpected ways, and we should be open to His leading and guidance, as seen in Romans 12:1-8 and 1 Peter 4:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God might be calling me away from my 'flock' to serve Him in a new way?
- How can I be more attentive to God's voice and guidance in my life, like Amos was?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn back to God, like the Israelites did?
- How can I use my unique gifts and experiences to serve God and fulfill His purposes?
Gill's Exposition on Amos 7:15
And the Lord took me as I followed the flock,.... Or "from behind" it (u); a description of a shepherd, such an one Amos was, and in this employ when the Lord called him, and took him to be a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Amos 7:15
And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. And the Lord took me as I followed the flock. So David was taken (2 Samuel 7:8; Psalms 78:70-71).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Amos 7:15
The Lord, the great and jealous God, whom you oppose by idols, took me; by an extraordinary power of his Spirit took me off from my old, mean, and private employment and recess, and I could not withstand him. As I followed the flock; a description of a shepherd’ s employment. The Lord said unto me; commanded, whether by voice from heaven. or extraordinary irradiation of his mind, or impulse of the Divine prophetic Spirit, comes all to one, his authority is Divine. Go out of Judah. Prophesy; as a prophet instruct, threaten, promise, invite. and foretell. My people Israel; the ten tribes, which with like civility are called by Amos God’ s people as he is called seer.
Trapp's Commentary on Amos 7:15
Amos 7:15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.Ver. 15. And the Lord took me, as I followed the flock] As he took Elisha from the plough tail, the apostles from casting and mending their nets, &c. Asinos elegit Christus et idiotas, sed oculavit in prudentes: simulque dona dedit, et ministeria, he called them to the office, and withal he gifted them. He called also learned Nathanael, and Nicodemus, a master in Israel; lest, if he had called none but such as were simple (saith John de Turrecremata), it should have been thought they had been deceived through their simplicity. But it is God’ s way to choose the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and things that are not, to bring to nought things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. And the Lord said unto me] He often inculcates the name of the Lord, to show that there was a necessity of his prophesying; for who can safely disobey such a commander? see Amos 3:8. Aut faciendum, aut patiendum. The philosopher could tell the emperor, who challenged him to dispute, that there was no contesting with him that had twenty legions at his command. Go, prophesy unto my people Israel] Keep within my precincts, and thou shalt be sure of my protection; be true to thy trust, and I will see to thy safety. If thou have not fine manchet (as Bucer said to Bradford, encouraging him to bestow his talent in preaching), yet give the poor people barley bread, or whatever else the Lord hath committed unto thee.
Having therefore such a call from heaven to this work, with what face canst thou hinder me therein? With what countenance will ye appear before the judgment seat of Christ (said Dr Taylor, martyr, to Stephen Gardiner, Lord Chancellor, who had thus saluted him, Art thou come, thou villain? how darest thou look me in the face for shame? knowest thou not who I am, &c.?) How dare ye for shame look any Christian man in the face, seeing you have forsaken the truth, denied our Saviour Christ and his word, and done contrary to your own oath and writing? And, if I should be afraid of your lordly looks, why fear you not God, the Lord of us all? who hath sent us on his errand, which we must deliver, and truth be spoken, however it be taken, 1 Corinthians 9:16.
Ellicott's Commentary on Amos 7:15
(15) Followed the flock.—There is no hint of any lack of education or refinement (see Introduction) through the exclusion of any special aid derived from the training of earlier prophets. In this case God’s inward call had been more than sufficient.
Cambridge Bible on Amos 7:15
15. It was while he was engaged in the ordinary occupations of his rustic life, that he became conscious of a call, which he could not but obey (cf. Amos 3:8), to become the prophet of Jehovah’s people, Israel. from following the flock] Cf. (of David) 2 Samuel 7:8; Psalms 78:71.
Whedon's Commentary on Amos 7:15
14-17. The prophet’s reply. 14, 15. Amos was a prophet not by profession, but by divine call. I was no prophet — Better, throughout Amos 7:14, with margin, “I am.” I am not a professional prophet, guided by mercenary motives.
Sermons on Amos 7:15
| Sermon | Description |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 1-7
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting in God's ability to do His work without the need for excessive promotion or striving. He contrasts the constant ef |
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That He Might Fill All Things - Part 2
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of emptying oneself and allowing God to work in their lives. He uses the example of Joseph, who started off as a conceited you |
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The Tabernacle of David (1 of 2)
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of selflessness and dependency on God. He refers to the story of David bringing the Ark of God to Jerusalem as a prophetic for |
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The Eternal Purpose of God
by Darrell Champlin
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the eternal purpose of God. He compares the word of God to a diamond that glows with incredible power when the |
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Breaking the Bondage of an Ungodly Heritage
by Don Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the speaker addresses the concept of breaking the chains of an ungodly heritage. He criticizes the idea that individuals are not personally responsible for their ac |
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The Call of God to Preach and Its Consequences
by Keith Daniel
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In this sermon, the speaker shares powerful stories of individuals who were called by God and willingly gave their lives to reach souls. He emphasizes the importance of not becomin |
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Will Ye Hear the Lord?
by Darin Chappell
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's commands and teachings. They acknowledge that there may not be anything new in the message, as these instru |