Interpretation of the Prophet Amos

“Commentary on the Prophet Amos” is part of the “Commentary on the 12 Minor Prophets,” written by Blessed. Theodoret of Cyrus in the 30-40s. V century at the request of friends. He uses a typological method of interpretation and pays sufficient attention to clarifying the chronology of the prophet's life. The commentary is a sequential presentation of all 9 chapters of the Book of the Prophet Amos. Blzh. Theodoret addresses the central themes of the book - justice, mercy and the need for repentance. He interprets the imagery and metaphors used by the prophet Amos to show how the social evils and spiritual immorality of a people lead to Divine judgment. The author emphasizes the importance of the personal responsibility of each believer for the state of society and calls for a sincere appeal to God. The promises of restoration and hope contained in the Book of Amos show that even in the face of Divine wrath, there is the possibility of salvation and restoration for those who truly turn to God. “He who formed our hearts as one, and He who understands all our deeds” (Psalm 33:15), as the Divine Scripture says, knowing the cruelty and stubbornness of the hearts of the Israelites, does not talk to them through the Prophet alone, but employs many wonderful men in the service, and offers admonitions, and foretells the future, with the consent of many showing the falsity of the predictions. One of these Prophets and divine Amos. For he lived at the same time with the wonderful ones, Hosea and Joel, and he foretold the same thing about the Assyrians and Babylonians, about the return of the Jews from there, and about what would happen upon their return. But first, having offered several prophecies about neighboring nations, then he began to prophesy about Israel, and through this very prophecy he brought great benefit to the Jews. For he taught that not only them, but also all nations can have mercy and admonish the Lord of all, as the Creator and Maker of all; Moreover, he made it clear how much care God takes for them, punishing those who try to offend them. This is the content of the prophecy before us; from a detailed interpretation we more accurately understand the meaning of divine words.