Can two walk togetherThis phrase suggests a journey or a path taken by two individuals. In the biblical context, walking together implies a relationship or partnership. The imagery of walking is often used in Scripture to denote a way of life or conduct (
Genesis 5:24;
Micah 6:8). Walking together requires harmony and unity, which is foundational in relationships, whether between individuals or between God and His people. The idea of walking together is also seen in the relationship between God and Enoch, who "walked with God" (
Genesis 5:24), indicating a close, intimate relationship.
without agreeing
Agreement is essential for unity and cooperation. In the context of Amos, this agreement can be seen as a covenant or mutual understanding. The Israelites had a covenant with God, which required them to follow His commandments and statutes. The lack of agreement or breaking of this covenant led to discord and judgment. In a broader sense, agreement is necessary for any partnership to function effectively, whether in marriage, friendship, or community. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in2 Corinthians 6:14, where believers are advised not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, emphasizing the need for spiritual agreement.
where to go?
This phrase implies direction and purpose. In the context of Amos, it highlights the need for Israel to align with God's direction and purpose for them. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes (Exodus 19:6). However, their failure to agree with God's direction led to their downfall. The question posed by Amos serves as a rhetorical device to challenge the Israelites to consider their spiritual direction and alignment with God's will. In a broader biblical context, Jesus Christ is the ultimate guide and direction for believers, as He declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing the importance of following His path.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AmosA prophet from Tekoa, a small town in Judah, who was called by God to deliver messages of judgment to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity and moral decay.
2.
IsraelThe Northern Kingdom, which had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and social injustice, prompting God's warnings through Amos.
3.
JudgmentThe central theme of Amos, where God warns Israel of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness and injustice.
Teaching Points
Agreement in FellowshipWalking together implies a shared direction and purpose. In our spiritual walk, agreement with God’s will is essential for true fellowship.
Unity in RelationshipsJust as two cannot walk together without agreement, unity in Christian relationships requires shared values and goals.
Alignment with God’s WillTo walk with God, we must align our lives with His Word and purposes, seeking His guidance in all decisions.
Consequences of DisagreementDisagreement with God’s ways leads to spiritual dissonance and can result in judgment, as seen in Israel’s history.
Intentionality in FaithWalking with God requires intentionality, commitment, and a conscious decision to follow His path.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Amos 3:3?
2.How does Amos 3:3 emphasize the importance of agreement in Christian relationships?
3.What does "walk together" in Amos 3:3 teach about unity in faith?
4.How can Amos 3:3 guide us in choosing our spiritual companions?
5.How does Amos 3:3 connect with Jesus' teachings on fellowship and unity?
6.How can we apply Amos 3:3 to strengthen our church community today?
7.How does Amos 3:3 challenge our understanding of divine agreement and human relationships?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Amos 3:3?
9.How does Amos 3:3 relate to the theme of unity in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 3?
11.Amos 3:3: If two can’t walk together unless agreed, why does God punish nations for actions they have not consciously “agreed” to commit?
12.How can two walk together without agreement?
13.Is he/she the right partner for me?
14.What does "unequally yoked" mean in relationships?What Does Amos 3:3 Mean
Can two“Can two…” (Amos 3:3) immediately sets up a picture of relationship. The Lord is speaking to Israel, whom He had “chosen out of all the families of the earth” (Amos 3:2). Two parties are in view—God and His people.
• Every covenant in Scripture involves at least two participants (Genesis 17:7;Exodus 19:5).
• Jesus later sends the disciples out “two by two” (Mark 6:7), underscoring partnership and accountability.
•Ecclesiastes 4:9 reminds us, “Two are better than one,” yet only if they move in the same direction.
The question signals that the blessings promised to Israel depend on remaining in step with their Covenant Partner.
walk togetherTo “walk together” pictures shared daily life, not an occasional meeting.
• Enoch “walked with God” and found favor (Genesis 5:24).
•Micah 6:8 calls us “to walk humbly with your God.”
•1 John 1:7 adds, “If we walk in the light… we have fellowship with one another.”
Walking implies progress, rhythm, and duration. It is impossible to stroll side-by-side while choosing divergent paths. God wanted Israel’s entire lifestyle aligned with His statutes (Deuteronomy 30:16).
without agreeingAgreement speaks of harmony of mind and heart.
• “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (literal rendering echoed inMatthew 18:19 where two agree in prayer).
• Israel had pledged obedience at Sinai (Exodus 24:7) but now violated that pledge (Amos 2:6-12).
•2 Corinthians 6:14 warns believers not to be “unequally yoked,” because mismatched yokes pull travelers apart.
When agreement is broken, fellowship is broken; discipline follows (Hebrews 12:6).
where to goDirection matters as much as companionship.
•Proverbs 3:6 promises, “He will make your paths straight” when we trust Him.
•Psalm 25:4 asks, “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.”
•Isaiah 30:21 describes the voice behind saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
God had a redemptive destination for Israel—holiness and witness to the nations (Exodus 19:6). Their refusal to follow meant the route would now include judgment (Amos 3:11-15), yet even that discipline aimed to steer them back onto the proper road.
summaryAmos 3:3 uses a simple journey to illustrate a profound truth: fellowship with God requires intentional agreement with His revealed will. Two (God and His people) can only walk together when daily conduct aligns with covenant commitments. Break the agreement, and the shared walk halts until repentance restores unity and direction.
(3)
Two.--Who are the two here represented? Some commentators say, two prophets; Rosenmller, "God and the prophet." But Grotius, Lowth, Henderson, and Pusey refer it, with more reason, to God and Israel, the expression denoting, not merely God's knowledge of a man, but man's response to God. His practical obedience, his communion of heart and will, are described as "walking with" or "before God." (
Genesis 5:22;
Genesis 6:9;
Genesis 17:1;
Psalm 56:13;
Psalm 116:9.) Will, then, God walk with man, guiding, shielding, strengthening him, if man is not in harmony with Him? This is the first of a series of parabolic apothegms, all of which require a negative answer. (
Leviticus 26:23-24.) Each states an event, closely and indissolubly related to another in the bond of cause and effect. All these symbolic utterances point on to the climax in
Amos 3:7-8. . . .
Verses 3-8. - Before announcing more particularly the coming judgment, Amos, by a series of little parables or comparisons, establishes his right to prophesy, and intimates the necessity laid upon him to deliver his message. He illustrates the truths that all effects have causes, and that from the cause you can infer the effect.
Verse 3. -
Can two walk together except they be agreed? or,
except they have agreed? The "two" are God's judgment and the prophet's word. These do, not coincide by mere chance, no more than two persons pursue in company the same end without previous agreement. The prophet announces God's judgment because God has commissioned him; the prophet is of one mind with God, therefore the Lord is with him, and confirms his words. The application of the parables is seen in vers. 7, 8. The Septuagint, reading differently, has, "except they know one another."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Can twoשְׁנַ֖יִם(šə·na·yim)Number - md
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)walkהֲיֵלְכ֥וּ(hă·yê·lə·ḵū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walktogetherיַחְדָּ֑ו(yaḥ·dāw)Adverb
Strong's 3162:A unit, unitedlywithoutבִּלְתִּ֖י(bil·tî)Preposition
Strong's 1115:A failure of, not, except, without, unless, besides, because not, untilan appointment to meet?נוֹעָֽדוּ׃(nō·w·‘ā·ḏū)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3259:To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage
Links
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OT Prophets: Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have (Amo. Am) 
