208. Internal Meaning of Amos, Chapter 8

1 A new thing of the church comes into existence. (11)

2 The old church comes to an end, (3)

4-6 when there is nothing but adulteration of good and truth. (3)

7-10 Therefore they will perish on the day of judgment. (15)

11-14 Then there will no longer be any good or truth. (3, 15)

As with many common verbs, the meaning of “to say” in the Bible is highly dependent on context. Who is speaking? Who is hearing? What is it about? Is it a command, a message, an apology, instruction? All these things enter into the meaning of “say.” In general, though, “saying” has to do with sharing truth at various levels -- from the most exalted power people can have to perceive the Lord's desires directly to the most basic of orders issued to people at their lowest.