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"The pastures of the shepherds mourn"

Text: Amos 1:2

AN AGRARIAN COMMUNITY

Ancient Israel was essentially an agrarian community. Much of their wealth depended on the fertility of the land that yielded rich pastures. But what would happen if the pastures were to fail?

“The LORD roars from Zion,
And utters His voice from Jerusalem;
The pastures of the shepherds mourn,
And the top of Carmel withers.”
Amos 1:2

1. The content of what the Lord uttered

a) This was an important focus.

b) Because this came forth as a “roar” then close attention must be paid to this word.

2. “The pastures of the shepherds mourn”

a) The pastures were personified.

b) They mourned.

c) And if so, the shepherds as well.

3. Green pastures

a) The LORD would lead His sheep into green pastures.

b) He would lead them beside the still waters (Psalm 23).

c) But what if He were not to lead them?

d) What if the relationship between Shepherd and sheep was estranged?

4. Mourning of the pastures and shepherds

a) The sheep would be affected severely.

b) The shepherds would have to search high and low for new green pastures.

c) That would not be easy task.

5. “The top of Carmel withers”

a) This is a geographical reference.

b) Carmel represented a region of very rich vegetation.

c) Pines and oaks were the much sought-after trees from this region.

d) It was also a sacred place to the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18).

e) It was venerated as a holy place because of the luxuriant land.

f) But what if Carmel was to languish and wither away at the command of the LORD?