Amos 3: The Role of Prophets

Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, (2002), 183

Many people in the world today believe that Heavenly Father no longer speaks to His children through prophets. Amos 3 records what Amos said about the Lord and prophets. Look for his teachings about prophets as well as what the Lord said would happen to Israel if they did not listen to their prophets.

Understanding the Scriptures

Amos 3

Hath no prey (v. 4)Has not killed anything to eat 
Snare (v. 5)Trap 
Tumults (v. 9)Noise and confusion 
Adversary (v. 11)Enemy 
Horns of the altar shall be cut off (v. 14)Their worship of God had become a powerless and empty form. (Horns were a symbol of power.) 
Winter house, summer house (v. 15)Homes of the wealthy who had ignored God and His prophets 

Amos 3:7—The Lord Always Calls Prophets to Deliver His Word

Amos 3:7 contains a truth that is very important to the message of the Restoration: God always works through prophets to establish His word and His works among men. After quoting Amos 3:7, Elder LeGrand Richards said: “Now if we understand that, no one can look for a work here upon this earth that isn’t headed by a prophet. The Lord has never done a work that he has recognized without a prophet at its head” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1975, 75; or Ensign, Nov. 1975, 50).

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Amos 3.

Activity A Scripture Mastery iconScripture Mastery—Amos 3:7

  1. 1.

    In Amos 3:3–6, Amos asked seven questions, the answers to which were obviously “no.” He asked those questions to make a point in verse 7 that he felt was just as sure. What did Amos say would “surely” happen? (see also 1 Nephi 22:2).

  2. 2.

    Give an example of a “secret” the Lord has revealed in our day and how it has blessed the lives of those who listen and obey.

Joseph Smith and other Church Presidents

Activity B iconWhat Are the Consequences?

Read Amos 3:11–15 and Doctrine and Covenants 1:11–16 and write what the Lord said would happen to those who refuse to listen and obey the prophets?