3:1 against the whole family. This expression indicates that Amos, while prophesying explicitly toward the ten-tribe northern kingdom of Israel, was also including all the tribes.

3:2 families of the earth. The expression “all the families of the earth” indicates that God’s dealings are with families or tribes, not races. Neither the term nor concept of “race” is found in Scripture. The original division was by “the families of the sons of Noah” (Genesis 10:32), evidently as enumerated in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10). These were also distinguished by their “tongues,” after the confusion of tongues at Babel (note Genesis 10:5,20,31).

3:3 two walk together. This timeless principle would caution us against any attempted union of believers and unbelievers (see II Corinthians 6:14-18).

3:5 gin. That is, “engine,” some kind of mechanical trap, using a noose, whereas the “snare” mentioned twice in this verse seems to involve a thin plate masking a pit.

3:7 his secret. The Lord will not bring judgment upon His people without first warning them through His prophets, such as Amos. In our present day, on the other hand, God has spoken with finality through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3) and His written Word (Revelation 22:18-19), so there is no further need of new revelation. All that is needed is for His teachers to teach and proclaim His Word as already revealed.