Amos 1:1–2 confirms that the Lord speaks to his people. He is not like one of the pagan gods who are ever silent. In the words of Amos he has a message for the people of Israel (northern kingdom).
The first verse does not explicitly identify Amos as a prophet, yet we must not make the mistake of thinking that this book is simply a record of his opinions and ideas. The introductory formula is different from what we find with other prophets. Normally we read about the Word of the Lord coming to someone (e.g. Joel 1:1) but we do not find that here. Yet it is still the Word of God that has been revealed. These are the words of Amos that he saw concerning Israel. He has seen a revelation from God and this revelation has been put into words. God is not silent; he speaks to his people.
In speaking through prophets, the Lord shows us that he has great concern for his people. The kingdom may have been divided into two but that does not mean the ten northern tribes are forgotten. Their earthly king may be evil, they may even be busying themselves with all sorts of sin and wrongdoing, but they are still the covenant people of God and he cares for them. The Lord is compassionate and gracious, abounding in love and slow to anger, yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished (Exodus 34:6–7). Before he brings curses upon his people, he gives them a warning. He speaks to them and calls them to repentance. He is concerned about them.
Practically, for us today, the reality of God’s speaking in history should encourage us to listen to his voice. The Lord has not left us in the dark as to who he is or what he wants from his people. He has given us clear instructions in his Word and he has sent out preachers to teach and explain his truth. Our responsibility as a church is to listen. When the Lord roars from Zion, we do not pick and choose which commandments we will obey, we listen to what he says and we act accordingly.
1 The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.