For three sins, or even four: What does this mean?

Eight times this phrase is repeated in chapters one and two. Sins of nations including Judah, Israel, and nations surrounding them are named.

Amos gave The Lion’s roar: Who is Amos?

Amos was a shepherd living in Judah, whom God used as a prophet to Israel.

What is “The Lion’s roar?”

The Lion is referring to the Lord who is giving loud clear warnings like a roar!

Explain how they did each of these things:

You crush the needy:

They took more from the poor instead of helping them

Reproof forsake:

They did not listen to those speaking truth to try to help them turn back to the God.

Profane My Name:

They did not regard holy what God called holy.

And your worship’s fake:

They were only going through motions, while their heart was far from God. In Amos 5:21, God says, “Take away the noise of your songs, I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.”

Let righteousness and justice roll: What does this mean?

Instead of doing the things above, what God desired was for them to do what is right and honor Him and others.

Or pay the toll: What is the toll?

A toll is a payment due. The payment for their disobedience would be Israel’s captivity. Amos, like the other prophets, warns them of the results of their sin and calls them to turn from their sin. He also sees a time in the future when God’s people will be restored.