Amos 7:9-16

9The pagan shrines of your ancestors will be ruined, and the temples of Israel will be destroyed; I will bring the dynasty of King Jeroboam to a sudden end.”

10Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent a message to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos is hatching a plot against you right here on your very doorstep! What he is saying is intolerable.

11He is saying, ‘Jeroboam will soon be killed, and the people of Israel will be sent away into exile.’”

12Then Amaziah sent orders to Amos: “Get out of here, you prophet! Go on back to the land of Judah, and earn your living by prophesying there!

13Don’t bother us with your prophecies here in Bethel. This is the king’s sanctuary and the national place of worship!”

14But Amos replied, “I’m not a professional prophet, and I was never trained to be one. I’m just a shepherd, and I take care of sycamore-fig trees.

15But the Lord called me away from my flock and told me, ‘Go and prophesy to my people in Israel.’

16Now then, listen to this message from the Lord: “You say, ‘Don’t prophesy against Israel. Stop preaching against my people.’