Amos 3:13
Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְע֥וּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְהָעִ֖ידוּ
ye and testify
H5749
וְהָעִ֖ידוּ
ye and testify
Strong's:
H5749
Word #:
2 of 9
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
בְּבֵ֣ית
in the house
H1004
בְּבֵ֣ית
in the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
The covenant lawsuit (prophetic riv) was a standard Ancient Near Eastern legal form. God isn't violating His covenant but enforcing it through its curse provisions (Deuteronomy 28-29). This public witness ensures Israel cannot claim ignorance or injustice when judgment falls.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's use of legal process even in judgment display His righteousness and patience?
- What does it mean that God testifies against His own people—those who bear His name?
- How should churches today respond when God's Word testifies against their practices?
Analysis & Commentary
Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob (שִׁמְעוּ וְהָעִידוּ בְּבֵית יַעֲקֹב, shim'u v'ha'idu b'veit ya'akov)—The Hebrew הָעִידוּ (ha'idu, 'testify, bear witness') is legal language; God calls witnesses against His people. The use of 'Jacob' rather than 'Israel' may emphasize their unchanged carnal nature—still deceivers like their ancestor. Saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts (נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה אֱלֹהֵי הַצְּבָאוֹת, ne'um Adonai YHWH Elohei hatzva'ot)—triple divine titles underscore absolute authority.
This courtroom scene portrays God prosecuting His covenant lawsuit (riv) against Israel. The same God who delivered them now testifies against them—a tragic reversal. Yet even in judgment, God calls witnesses, maintaining judicial righteousness rather than acting as arbitrary tyrant.