WE are altogether uncertain concerning the time

when this prophet prophesied; it is probable that it was about the same

time Amos prophesied, not for the reason that the rabbin give, “Because

Amos begins his prophecy with that wherewith Joel concludes his, The

Lord shall roar out of Zion,” but for the reason Dr. Lightfoot

gives, “Because he speaks of the same judgments of locusts, and

drought, and fire, that Amos laments, which is an intimation that they

appeared about the same time, Amos in Israel and Joel in Judah. Hosea

and Obadiah prophesied about the same time; and it appears that Amos

prophesied in the says of Jeroboam, the second king of Israel,

Amos vii. 10.

God sent a variety of prophets, that they might strengthen the hands

one of another, and that out of the mouth of two or three witnesses

every word might be established. In this prophecy,

I. The desolations made by hosts of noxious insects is described,

ch. i. and part of ch. ii.

II. The people are hereupon called to repentance,

ch. ii.

III. Promises are made of the return of mercy upon their repentance

(ch. ii.),

and promises of the pouring out of the Spirit in the latter days.

IV. The cause of God’s people is pleaded against their enemies, whom

God would in due time reckon with

(ch. iii.);

and glorious things are spoken of the gospel–Jerusalem and of the

prosperity and perpetuity of it.