The Lord had previously promised Israel that he would bring covenant curses upon them if they disobeyed him (Leviticus 26:1–46; Deuteronomy 27:1 – 28:68). Each of the disasters recounted in Amos 4:6–11 can be related to the covenant curses, and there are seven in total in order to signify completion.1 The Lord has patiently acted in order to bring Israel to repentance (yet you did not return to me
). That was the purpose of these disasters.
6 “I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your places, yet you did not return to me,”declares the LORD.