Amos 7:13

13 But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.”

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 this is what Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’”

12 And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there.

13 But never prophesy at Bethel again, because it is the sanctuary of the king and the temple of the kingdom.”

14 “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees.

15 But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’