Amo 3:7-8 | JFB | STEP | 7. his secret —namely, His purpose hidden from all, until it is revealed to His prophets (compare ). In a wider sense, God's will is revealed to all who love God, which it is not to the world ( ). unto his servants —who being servants cannot but obey their Lord in setting forth His purpose (namely, that of judgment against Israel) ( ). Therefore the fault which the ungodly find with them is groundless ( ). It aggravates Israel's sin, that God is not about to inflict judgment, without having fully warned the people, if haply they might repent.

Amos 3:7-8

7. his secret—namely, His purpose hidden from all, until it is revealed to His prophets (compare Ge 18:17). In a wider sense, God's will is revealed to all who love God, which it is not to the world (Ps 25:14; Joh 15:15; 17:25, 26).

unto his servants—who being servants cannot but obey their Lord in setting forth His purpose (namely, that of judgment against Israel) (Jer 20:9; Eze 9:11). Therefore the fault which the ungodly find with them is groundless (1Ki 18:17). It aggravates Israel's sin, that God is not about to inflict judgment, without having fully warned the people, if haply they might repent.

8. As when "the lion roars" (compare Am 1:2; Am 3:4), none can help but "fear," so when Jehovah communicates His awful message, the prophet cannot but prophesy. Find not fault with me for prophesying; I must obey God. In a wider sense true of all believers (Ac 4:20; 5:29).