Amos 7:14,15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

I was no prophet Not originally, or by study, or by any human designation; neither was I a prophet's son Neither was I bred up at the schools of the prophets; as those usually were who took that office upon them. But I was a herdman By breeding and occupation I was, and still am, a herdman; and a gatherer of sycamore fruit I got my livelihood also in part by gathering wild figs for those who had occasion for them. The Lord took me, &c. As I was following my flock, and thinking of nothing else; and said unto me By an extraordinary irradiation, or impulse of his Divine Spirit; Go, prophesy unto my people Go, and as a prophet divinely commissioned, reprove, instruct, exhort, and warn my people of the calamities impending over them, and which will assuredly fall upon them, unless they avert them by turning to me in true repentance.

Amos 7:14-15

14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:

15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.