Amos 3:5-12

5Does a bird ever get caught in a trap that has no bait? Does a trap spring shut when there’s nothing to catch?

6When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has planned it?

7Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.

8The lion has roared— so who isn’t frightened? The Sovereign Lord has spoken— so who can refuse to proclaim his message?

9Announce this to the leaders of Philistia and to the great ones of Egypt: “Take your seats now on the hills around Samaria, and witness the chaos and oppression in Israel.”

10“My people have forgotten how to do right,” says the Lord. “Their fortresses are filled with wealth taken by theft and violence.

11Therefore,” says the Sovereign Lord, “an enemy is coming! He will surround them and shatter their defenses. Then he will plunder all their fortresses.”

12This is what the Lord says: “A shepherd who tries to rescue a sheep from a lion’s mouth will recover only two legs or a piece of an ear. So it will be for the Israelites in Samaria lying on luxurious beds, and for the people of Damascus reclining on couches.