Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.
but.
Genesis 6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.
Genesis 18:17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
1 Kings 22:19-23 And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left…
without revealing His plan
God's transparency in His dealings with humanity is highlighted here. The term "revealing" suggests that God communicates His intentions and purposes, often through divine revelation. This is consistent with the biblical narrative where God shares His plans with key figures, such as Abraham in Genesis 18:17-19, where God reveals His intentions regarding Sodom and Gomorrah. It underscores the idea that God desires a relationship with His people, where they are informed and involved in His divine purposes.
to His servants the prophets
Prophets in the Old Testament were chosen individuals who served as God's mouthpieces. They were often called to deliver messages of warning, guidance, and hope to the people of Israel. This phrase indicates the special role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel received divine revelations that were crucial for guiding the nation. This also points to the continuity of God's communication, as seen in the New Testament with John the Baptist and ultimately Jesus Christ, who is considered the ultimate prophet, priest, and king.
- This opening word signals absolute certainty. God’s actions are never accidental or haphazard. Psalm 33:11 affirms, “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.”
- The certainty encourages us to trust that everything that follows is an unbreakable truth, not speculation or guesswork.
- The double title (“Adonai Yahweh” in many English translations) underscores both God’s sovereign rule and His covenant faithfulness. Isaiah 46:9-10: “I am God, and there is no other… My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.”
- This combines majesty with relational commitment, reminding Israel—and us—that the One speaking is both King and Covenant-Keeper.
- Nothing in history or redemption occurs outside His purposeful will. Ephesians 1:11 echoes this: God “works out everything according to the counsel of His will.”
- Even judgments and calamities referenced earlier in Amos (3:6) are never random; they are elements in God’s comprehensive plan.
- The word highlights God’s self-chosen transparency. He is not obligated to explain Himself, yet He delights in doing so (Psalm 25:14).
- This provides comfort: before divine action, there is divine communication.
- God discloses both warning and hope. Genesis 18:17 shows the pattern: “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?”
- His revelations serve multiple purposes:
• Call to repentance (Jonah 3:4-10)
• Strengthen faith (John 14:29, “I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does occur, you will believe.”)
• Display His glory (Isaiah 42:9)
- The recipients are described first as servants, emphasizing obedience and humility. Psalm 119:125: “I am Your servant; give me understanding.”
- Service precedes revelation; God shares His counsel with those committed to His will.
- Prophets stand as God’s authorized spokesmen. 2 Peter 1:21: “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
- Their messages, once written, become a permanent witness. Hebrews 1:1 reminds us that “God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,” and He has now consummated that revelation in His Son, whose words are preserved in Scripture.
Amos 3:7 assures us that the sovereign Lord governs every event, yet He graciously pulls back the curtain before He acts. He shares His intentions with obedient messengers, whose inspired words are now recorded for our instruction. Because of this, we approach Scripture with confident expectation: when God speaks, He means it, and when He plans, He reveals enough for faith and obedience.
Verse 7. - This and the following verse apply the foregoing, parables All the evils announced come from the Lord; but he brings none of them on the people without first warning by his prophets (comp. John 13:19; John 14:29). His secret (sod); unrevealed till then. Septuagint, παιδείαν, "instruction;" so the Arabic.