Amos – Chapter 8

Old Testament14 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 8 of Amos begins: "These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit." The chapter centers on Jacob and Amos. Across its 14 verses, two threads run through the text: justice and care for the poor and family and covenant relationships. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit.

2And he said: What seest thou, Amos? And I said: A hook to draw down fruit. And the Lord said to me: The end is come upon my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more.

3And the hinges of the temple shall screak in that day, saith the Lord God: many shall die: silence shall be cast in every place.

4Hear this, you that crush the poor, and make the needy of the land to fail,

5Saying: When will the month be over, and we shall sell our wares: and the sabbath, and we shall open the corn: that we may lessen the measure, and increase the sicle, and may convey in deceitful balances,

6That we may possess the needy for money, and the poor for a pair of shoes, and may sell the refuse of the corn?

7The Lord hath sworn against the pride of Jacob: surely I will never forget all their works.

8Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein: and rise up altogether as a river, and be cast out, and run down as the river of Egypt?

9And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that the sun shall go down at midday, and I will make the earth dark in the day of light:

10And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation: and I will bring up sackcloth upon every back of yours, and baldness upon every head: and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the latter end thereof as a bitter day.

11Behold the days come, saith the Lord, and I will send forth a famine into the land: not a famine of bread, nor a thirst of water, but of hearing the word of the Lord.

12And they shall move from sea to sea, and from the north to the east: they shall go about seeking the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.

13In that day the fair virgins, and the young men shall faint for thirst.

14They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say: Thy God, O Dan, liveth: and the way of Bersabee liveth: and they shall fall, and shall rise no more.

Important Verses in Amos 8

These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit.

Amos 8:1

Hear this, you that crush the poor, and make the needy of the land to fail,

Amos 8:4

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God, that the sun shall go down at midday, and I will make the earth dark in the day of light:

Amos 8:9

They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say: Thy God, O Dan, liveth: and the way of Bersabee liveth: and they shall fall, and shall rise no more.

Amos 8:14

Historical Context

Amos addresses the wealthy northern kingdom, warned that worship without justice is worthless within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 8 of 9 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a narrative passage recounting concrete events in salvation history with 14 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Jacob and Amos, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit." The final verse reads: "They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say: Thy God, O Dan, liveth: and the way of Bersabee liveth: and they shall…" In terms of historical background, Amos, a layman from Judah, was sent north to prosperous Israel, where luxury coexisted with oppression of the poor and hollow worship. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About 760-750 BC.

Who Wrote It

Amos, a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa

When It Was Written

About 760-750 BC

Catholic Commentary

Read at the narrative level, this chapter describes real persons, decisions, and consequences within social justice and true worship. A pivotal line is verse 1: "These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit." The passage repeatedly touches on justice and care for the poor.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 2559). Here, Catholic social teaching echoes Amos's call for justice (CIC 2419-2425). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize justice and care for the poor as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that Let justice roll down like waters. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Amos 8 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.

People in This Chapter

Jacob1 mentionAmos1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Amos Chapter 8 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that social justice and true worship is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing participation in Christ's priestly office through Baptism.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1362) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amos Chapter 8 about?

Amos 8 contains 14 verses. It opens with "These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit." and closes with "They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say: Thy God, O Dan, liveth: and the way of Bersabee liveth: and they shall…". The book as a whole is prophetic oracles of judgment.

What is a key verse in Amos 8?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "These things the Lord shewed to me: and behold a hook to draw down the fruit." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Amos Chapter 8?

This chapter mentions Jacob, Amos.

Who wrote Amos and when?

Amos, a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa. About 760-750 BC.

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