Amos 7:10,11 - Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary

This is an interesting passage in the history of Amos, and deserves to be particularly considered. It seems that this Amaziah, priest of Bethel, was priest of the golden calves at Bethel which Jeroboam had set up. He had the ear of the king, and, therefore, while the poor Prophet was preaching to the common people, Amaziah was accusing him at the court. In his accusation, he endeavors to make Amos appear as though he had only personally preached against the king. He hath conspired against thee, said Amaziah. Whereas the whole bent of Amos's preaching was to say to the whole house of Israel, that by their sin the land would be laid waste by the sword. The land (he said) was not able to bear with Amos's preaching. Whereas, we have not a word of any complaining but himself. But did he tell the king how Amos had interceded with the Lord for Israel, and how he had succeeded? Not a word of this! So that in the very moment, while the poor herdman of Tekoa was really and truly the best friend of Israel; he is represented as the greatest enemy both to the king and country: a traitor to his people, and a disturber of the people! These things are not uncommon.