The Prophet in a very modest preface, here introduceth himself and his commission, He was but a poor herd man, and that was among the humblest stations. And yet he was called by grace to the work. Reader! recollect how many in all ages of the Church, have been thus Singled out, and set apart for the ministry. What a damp to the pride of life! Elisha shall be called from plowing; and David from the sheep cotes; yea, the Apostles of Christ from fishing! The gospel never flourished in our land equal to those days, when men went forth with their lives in their hand, not sent by men, but by the Lord. The time of Amos commencing his labors is noted by the earthquake. Concerning this earthquake, we have a more certain account of the fact than we have of the time of it. Zechariah con-firms that it was in the days of Uzziah, but doth not state the year. Zechariah 14:5. Some make it to he about the time of Isaiah's vision. Isaiah 6:1. And others when Uzziah profaned the temple. 2 Chronicles 26:16-21. But what I more particularly beg the Reader to remark is, the solemn way and manner in which the Lord's warnings are given. Amos calls it, the Lord roaring from Zion, and uttering his voice from Jerusalem. All the Lord's calls are powerful. And those from his Church and people more alarming than every other!
Related Commentaries of Amos 1:1
Amos 1:1-2
1 The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
2 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.