Bible Answer

Does Amos predict the end of the U.S.?

In Amos 8:1-14, the prophet declares that a nation will come to an end because of its wickedness. The description sounds like the United States. Do you agree?

Regarding the prophecy you quoted in Amos 8, the prophet was writing to the people of Israel, not to the citizens of any Gentile nation including the United States. Therefore, the words of that prophecy are only relevant to the Jewish people. Notice in v.2 the Lord specifically says these words are for His people Israel:

Amos 8:2 He said, “What do you see, Amos?” And I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” Then the LORD said to me, “The end has come for My people Israel. I will spare them no longer. 

Proper interpretation of scripture requires that we apply the words of scripture in the way the author intended, and in this case the author is clearly speaking to the nation of Israel alone. Furthermore, the events of this passage are specifically dealing with the event of Tribulation, which has not happened to Israel yet. Notice the details:

Amos 8:7      The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob, 
    “Indeed, I will never forget any of their deeds. 
Amos 8:8      “Because of this will not the land quake 
    And everyone who dwells in it mourn? 
    Indeed, all of it will rise up like the Nile, 
    And it will be tossed about 
    And subside like the Nile of Egypt. 
Amos 8:9      “It will come about in that day,” declares the Lord GOD, 
    “That I will make the sun go down at noon 
    And make the earth dark in broad daylight. 
Amos 8:10      “Then I will turn your festivals into mourning 
    And all your songs into lamentation; 
    And I will bring sackcloth on everyone’s loins 
    And baldness on every head. 
    And I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, 
    And the end of it will be like a bitter day. 

The events described here are not events of common judgment but rather are extraordinary events that come upon Israel (and the whole world). Therefore, we advise you to seek for a proper, contextually accurate understanding of Amos and all prophecy in scripture. 

You may find the following article on interpreting scripture from our website helpful as well.