Definition: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 7:15. It's a really important and slightly unsettling part of the book! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God telling a man (we can assume it’s Amos) to listen to God and speak out about his people, Israel. It’s like a direct instruction from the divine. Let's unpack it word by word: “Amos 7:15” : This is the name of the verse itself – it's a specific passage from the book of Amos. “And the LORD took me as I followed the flock” : This means that Amos was a shepherd or a farmer, and he was following his flock (the people God has chosen). He was tending to them, observing them, and learning about their lives. It's about being attentive and responsible for those under his care. “and the LORD said unto me” : This is a very important part – God is speaking directly to Amos. “Go, prophesy unto my people Israel.” : This is the main instruction. God says, “Amos, go out and speak to your people, Israel!” "Prophesy" means to speak or tell about something. What does this mean in practice? It suggests that God has a very close relationship with Amos and his people. He wants Amos to be aware of their struggles, their problems, and their needs. It’s a call for Amos to be a voice for the people, to warn them of impending dangers, and to guide them toward righteousness. Important Context (A little background): Amos was a prophet who warned against injustice and idolatry in Israel during a time of great division and rebellion. This verse speaks to the fact that God is actively involved in the lives of his people, and he's assigning Amos a specific role – to be a messenger and a guide. In short: God is calling Amos to become a witness for his people, to speak truth, and to lead them towards salvation. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of "following the flock"? Discuss what Amos’s role might have been?