The severity of the punishment could arouse some hope that the people might repent. God tries every means possible to save us before He proceeds to extreme measures. If benefits are not recognized, He sends chastisements. These aim, not at destruction, but at opening the eyes of the transgressors so men may see God, and repent. Therefore, God’s judgments are as much tokens of His grace as they are proofs of His wrath.
Prepare to meet.
The prophet’s message in effect was, “Make ready to meet the coming judgments of the Lord.” Those who would heed the call and repent would be forgiven and would be assured of God’s protection in the day of the dreaded punishment. The LXX reads, “prepare to call on thy God, O Israel.” God never bids men to prepare to meet Him without making a provision of mercy for those who do so prepare.
This verse states the keynote of Amos’ second message (see on v. 1). God warns Israel that He is about to hale the nation into court, as it were. They will do well to prepare their case, if they have one.