Amos 7:13

13 but don't prophesy anymore here at Bethel. This is the king's holy place, and it is the nation's 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 This is what Amos has said: 'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and the people of Israel will be taken as captives out of their own country.'"

12 Then Amaziah said to Amos, "Seer, go back right now to Judah. Do your prophesying and earn your living there,

13 but don't prophesy anymore here at Bethel. This is the king's holy place, and it is the nation's temple."

14 Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I do not make my living as a prophet, nor am I a member of a group of prophets. I make my living as a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore trees.

15 But the Lord took me away from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'