Amos 3:4

3:4 Does a lion roar in the woods if he has not cornered his prey? ¹ 

Does a young lion bellow from his den if he has not caught something?

Amos 3:8

3:8 A lion has roared! ²  Who is not afraid?

The sovereign Lord has spoken! Who can refuse to prophesy? ³ 

[3:4]  ¹ tn Heb “without having prey [or “food”].”

[3:8]  ² sn The roar of the lion is here a metaphor for impending judgment (see 1:2; cf. 3:4, 12). Verses 7-8 justify Amos’ prophetic ministry and message of warning and judgment. The people should expect a prophetic message prior to divine action.

[3:8]  ³ sn Who can refuse to prophesy? When a message is revealed, the prophet must speak, and the news of impending judgment should cause people to fear.