Amos 7:10–13

Amos Confronts a Priest

7:10 Amaziah the priest of Bethel19 sent this message20 to King Jeroboam of Israel: “Amos is conspiring against you in the very heart of the kingdom of Israel!21 The land cannot endure all his prophecies.22 7:11 As a matter of fact,23 Amos is saying this: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword and Israel will certainly be carried into exile24 away from its land.’ ”

7:12 Amaziah then said to Amos, “Leave, you visionary!25 Run away to the land of Judah! Earn your living26 and prophesy there! 7:13 Don’t prophesy at Bethel27 any longer, for a royal temple and palace are here!”28

19	map For location see Map4-G4; Map5-C1; Map6-E3; Map7-D1; Map8-G3.
20	tn The direct object of the verb translated “sent” is elided in the Hebrew text. The words “this message” are supplied in the translation for clarity and for stylistic reasons.
21	tn Heb “in the middle of the house of Israel.”
22	tn Heb “words.”
23	tn Or “for.”
24	tn See the note on the word “exile” in 5:5.
25	tn Traditionally, “seer.” The word is a synonym for “prophet,” though it may carry a derogatory tone on the lips of Amaziah.
26	tn Heb “Eat bread there.”
27	map For location see Map4-G4; Map5-C1; Map6-E3; Map7-D1; Map8-G3.
28	tn Heb “for it is a temple of a king and it is a royal house.” It is possible that the phrase “royal house” refers to a temple rather than a palace. See S. M. Paul, Amos (Hermeneia), 243.