Amos 2:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Amos 2:11
11 And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD.
Chapter Context
Amos 2 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, worship, truth. Written during the prosperous period of Jeroboam II (c. 760-750 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Economic prosperity masked serious social injustice and religious hypocrisy.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Amos and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Amos 2:11
11 And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD.
Analysis
God continues recounting His gracious acts: "Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite." This summarizes the Exodus, wilderness journey, and conquest—Israel's foundational narrative. Every aspect was divine accomplishment: liberation from slavery (Exodus), sustenance in the wilderness (manna, water, protection), and conquest of promised land. The phrase "I brought... I led" emphasizes God as active subject—He did this, not Israel. Verse 11 adds: "And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites." God provided spiritual leadership (prophets) and examples of devotion (Nazarites who took vows of consecration). Yet Israel's response (v. 12): "But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not." They corrupted devoted people and silenced God's messengers—active rebellion against grace.
Historical Context
Nazarite vows involved abstaining from wine, not cutting hair, and avoiding corpse contact (Numbers 6:1-21)—visible testimony to devotion. Forcing Nazarites to drink wine violated their vows and demonstrated contempt for consecration. Commanding prophets not to prophesy rejected God's word. Israel's northern kingdom established this pattern under Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:25-33), persisting through subsequent kings. Amos himself faced this command (Amos 7:12-13).
Reflection
- How do modern people actively resist or silence God's word rather than just ignoring it?
- What does it mean to corrupt those devoted to God and suppress prophetic voices?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Jeremiah 7:25