Amos

Amos was written by the prophet Joel to the people of Israel around 760 BC during the reign of King Jeroboam II. Amos was a shepherd and fig grower from Tekoa in Judah. He speaks against the corruption and moral decay of the nation, highlighting the disparity between the wealthy elite and the poor. Amos prophesies God's imminent judgment of Israel for their sins, but also future restoration for those who turn back to God. He prophesies God's judgment on the surrounding nations and blessings for His people.

Judgment On Israel's Neighbors - Chapter 1

Amos delivers a vision from the LORD concerning Israel during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, two years before a significant earthquake. Amos depicts God's voice as a roaring lion, symbolizing judgment. He declares divine judgment on Israel’s neighboring nations for their transgressions: Damascus for brutalizing Gilead, Gaza for capturing and selling entire communities, Tyre for betraying a treaty and selling captives, Edom for relentless violence against kin, and Ammon for atrocities committed to expand territory. Each nation faces specific punishments like fire or exile.

Judgment On Israel's Neighbors (cont.) - Chapter 2

God also delivers judgment on Moab and Judah. God will send fire on Moab for burning the bones of Edom’s king to ashes. Moab’s ruler and officials will be killed. For Judah, their sins are rejecting the law of the LORD and following false gods. As punishment, God will send fire on Judah, consuming the fortresses of Jerusalem.

Judgment On Israel

God condemns Israel for selling the innocent and needy, trampling the poor, denying justice, engaging in sexual immorality, and misusing pledged garments and fines for personal use. Despite God’s past acts of deliverance and provision, such as defeating the Amorites, leading Israel out of Egypt, and raising prophets and Nazirites, Israel corrupted the Nazirites and silenced the prophets. As a result, No one will escape God's justice.

Witnesses Summoned Against Israel - Chapter 3

Amos delivers a message of God to Israel. God chose the nation of Israel and stated that their chosen status makes them accountable for their sins. He uses rhetorical questions to illustrate that certain actions have inevitable consequences. God declares that He reveals His plans to prophets, and their words must be heeded. He summons witnesses from Ashdod and Egypt to observe Israel's unrest and oppression. Because of their sins, an enemy will conquer and pillage Israel. God compares Israel’s rescue to a shepherd retrieving remnants from a lion's mouth, to symbolize minimal survival. He will also destroy Bethel's altars, luxurious homes, and mansions as a judgment against Israel.

Israel Has Not Returned To God - Chapter 4

Amos delivers a message from God, who first condemns the wealthy women in Samaria for oppressing the poor. God condemns Israel's worship at Bethel and Gilgal, emphasizing their love for religious rituals over true repentance. God sent many forms of judgment including famine, drought, crop destruction, plagues, and military defeat, but Israel has not returned to God. God warns Israel to prepare to face Him, symbolizing the day of the LORD that will bring judgment and darkness, by the Creator and Almighty.

A Lament And Call To Repentance - Chapter 5

Amos delivers a lament from God describing Israel as a fallen virgin. God calls Israel to seek Him and avoid places like Bethel and Gilgal that are destined for destruction. He condemns those who pervert justice and oppress the poor. God promises to bring destruction if they do not repent. Despite their wealth, they will not enjoy their mansions or vineyards due to their sins. God urges them to seek good, uphold justice, and hate evil. A time of widespread mourning is foretold as God’s judgment will pass through their midst.

The Day Of The LORD

Amos warns those who eagerly anticipate the day of the LORD. The people think it will be a time of light but Amos foretells that it will be a time of darkness and inescapable disaster, which is compared to fleeing from a lion only to encounter a bear or being bitten by a snake at home. God expresses disdain for Israel’s religious festivals and offerings. During the day of the LORD, he will reject their sacrifices and music because they lack true justice and righteousness. God recalls Israel's idolatry during their wilderness journey and declares that, because of their continued idol worship, He will send them into exile beyond Damascus.

Woe To The Complacent - Chapter 6

Amos delivers a woe to the complacent in Zion and Samaria, especially the leaders who feel secure. He challenges them to compare themselves with cities like Kalneh, Hamath, and Gath, questioning if they are truly superior or more secure. These leaders ignore impending disaster and indulge in luxuries while being oblivious to Israel’s moral and social decay. Their self-indulgence and lack of concern for the nation's plight will lead to their downfall. Because of this, they will be the first to go into exile.

The LORD Abhors The Pride Of Israel

God declares His abhorrence for the pride of Israel. He vows to bring destruction to Israel. Even if ten people survive in one house, they will die, and those removing the bodies will fearfully avoid mentioning the LORD's name. He uses rhetorical questions to highlight Israel's absurdity in turning justice into poison and righteousness into bitterness. The Israelites boast about their military conquests, attributing them to their own strength. However, God will raise a nation against them that will oppress them from Lebo Hamath to the valley of the Arabah.

Locusts, Fire, And A Plumb Line - Chapter 7

Amos delivers a vision of locusts, fire, and a plumb like, all symbolizing God's judgment. First, God prepares swarms of locusts to devastate the late crops. Amos pleads with God not to send locusts, and God changes His mind and assures Amos that He won't send the locusts. Second, God calls for judgment by fire, consuming the land and drying the great deep. Again, Amos pleads with God, and God relents. Thirdly, God stands by a wall with a plumb line, symbolizing His standard for Israel. God declares He will no longer spare them, signaling the end of His patience. He announces the destruction of the high places and sanctuaries and His intention to rise against the house of Jeroboam.

Amos And Amaziah

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, tells King Jeroboam that Amos is inciting conspiracy by predicting Jeroboam's death and Israel's exile. Amaziah orders Amos to leave and prophesy in Judah, banning him from Bethel. Amos explains he was a shepherd before God called him to prophesy to Israel. Amos then delivers God's judgment against Amaziah, stating that his wife will become a prostitute, his children will die by the sword, his land will be divided, and he will die in a pagan country.

A Basket Of Ripe Fruit - Chapter 8

God tells Amos that judgment is near, like ripe fruit. His judgment will make the songs in the temple will turn to wailing, and bodies will be everywhere in silence. God condemns those who trample the needy and cheat the poor. There will be darkness at noon, and religious festivals will turn into sorrow. God says he will send a famine, not of food or water but a famine from the word of the LORD. Young people will faint from thirst, and idolaters in Samaria, Dan, and Beersheba will fall, never to rise again.

Israel To Be Destroyed - Chapter 9

Amos sees the LORD standing by the altar, commanding the destruction of Israel. Pillars will be struck, the temple will collapse on the people, and those who survive will be killed by the sword. No one will escape God's judgment. God, who has power over all creation, will destroy the sinful kingdom of Israel but will not completely annihilate Jacob's descendants.

Israel's Restoration

God promises to rebuild the fallen shelter of David. This renewal will enable Israel to possess the remnant of Edom and all nations bearing God's name. There will be abundant harvest with new wine flowing from the mountains. God will bring His people back from exile, allowing them to rebuild ruined cities, plant vineyards, and enjoy their produce. He will firmly plant Israel in their land, ensuring they are never uprooted again.