Amos 7:13

13 but don't prophesy any more at Beit-El; for this is the king's sanctuary, a royal temple."

Amos 7:13 Meaning and Commentary

Amos 7:13

But prophesy not again any more at Bethel
He might prophesy any where, if he did not there, for what the priest cared, that so his honour and interest were not hurt. The reasons he gave were, for it [is] the king's chapel;
or "sanctuary" ^F9; where a temple was built for the idol calf, and where the king worshipped it, and attended all other religious service: and it [is] the king's court;
or "the house of the kingdom" ^F11; the seat of it, where the king had a royal palace, and sometimes resided here, and kept his court, as well as at Samaria; often coming hither to worship, it being nearer to him than Dan, where the other calf was placed; intimating hereby that the king would never suffer such a troublesome man as he to be so near him; and by prophesying to interrupt him, either in his religious or civil affairs; and therefore advises him by all means to depart, if he had any regard to his life or peace.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (vdqm) "sanctuarium", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Mercerus, Junius & Tremellius. Piscator, Drusius, Cocceius.
F11 (awh hklmm tybw) "et domus regni est", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Mercerus, Cocceius; "domus regia", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Amos 7:13 In-Context

11 For 'Amos says: 'Yarov'am will die by the sword, and Isra'el will be led away from their land into exile.'"

12 Amatzyah also said to 'Amos, "Go away, seer! Go back to the land of Y'hudah! Earn your living there; and prophesy there;

13 but don't prophesy any more at Beit-El; for this is the king's sanctuary, a royal temple."

14 'Amos gave this answer to Amatzyah: "I am not trained as a prophet, and I'm not one of the guild prophets - I own sheep and grow figs.

15 But ADONAI took me away from following the flock, and ADONAI said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Isra'el.'