Amos spoke for God to the rebellious northern kingdom at the height of its prosperity and self-assurance. He begins by pronouncing judgment on the nations which border Israel and describes their fate under God's wrath. To the indictment of these pagan neighbors, Israel would give a hardy "amen."
But, without a pause, Amos continues, adding Israel herself to the list of nations under the condemnation of God. Four chapters lay out the case against Israel: her perversion, her injustice, her arrogance, her hypocrisy. Israel too would be judged and found wanting.
The book closes with a note of hope. God will fulfill his promise to David. David's line and David's reign will once again come to Israel.
What does it say?
When the prophecies in this book were delivered to Israel, the land and people of Israel were experiencing great prosperity. They were at a high point in their economic and political life. But they were at a low point in their relationship with God. In fact, they were no better than the pagan nations around them. Amos tells them so.
In the first 2 chapters, Amos lays out the sins of the pagan nations. Notice that the indictment of each nation begins the same way: "For three sins of Damascus, even four, I will not turn back my wrath. Because she. . ." Amos then describes the charges against the nation. He charges Damascus, then Gaza, then Tyre, then Edom, then Ammon, then Moab, and then, without missing a beat, charges Judah and Israel as well. The clear message is this: Judah and Israel are just like the other nations. And they are under condemnation too.
Amos next lays out the detailed case against Israel, focusing attention on the social and economic injustice of the people. He announces their coming exile and describes visions of divine retribution. The judgment section of the book ends with these words: "'For I will give the command, and I will shake the house of Israel among all the nations as grain is shaken in a sieve, and not a pebble will reach the ground. All the sinners among my people will die by the sword, all those who say 'Disaster will not overtake or meet us.'" (Amos 9:9-10)
But because of God's covenant with David, there will be restoration for the land and God's people. The book ends with the sure hope of God's faithfulness to restore David's reign and establish his kingdom for ever.
Faces & Places
The prophet Amos, the author of this book, is identified in the first verse of the book as a "shepherd of Tekoa." Evidence seems to indicate that Amos was not a professional prophet who earned his living from this ministry. Rather he earned his living from the flock and the sycamore-fig grove. (1:1; 7:14-15)
In chapter 7, Amos brings charges specifically against one of Israel's evil kings, Jeroboam. Amaziah, a priest in Israel's corrupt religion, comes to Jeroboam's defense and orders Amos to stop prophesying in Israel and return to Judah. Of course, Amos stays and continues to prophesy.
Two key centers of the northern kingdom are cited by Amos: Bethel and Samaria. Bethel was one of the primary religious centers of the kingdom and Samaria was the political capital.
Key Verses & Themes
Social Justice:
Amos 5:24 "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream."
Judgment:
Amos 3:1-2 "Hear this word the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel — against the whole family I brought out of Egypt: 'You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins.'"
Complacency:
Amos 6:1, 4-7 "Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!" . . . "You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum away on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph. Therefore you will be among the first to go into exile; your feasting and lounging will end."
So what?
There is something potentially frightening in Amos, and it is something every Christian needs to be faced with. It is exactly what Israel needed to be faced with. Amos brought to Israel a warning against spiritual complacency. Israel did all the "religious" things (see 5:21-23). But they did none of the God-pleasing things. They play-acted their religion very nicely. But they did not follow God. They forgot about love and justice and mercy and compassion. They forgot about obedience to the covenant. They forgot about servanthood and humility and sacrifice of themselves for the blessing of others. In effect, they created their own self-serving religion. They were so blinded with pride they could not see the deceit in their heart. And Amos came to show it to them and call them to repentance.
Read Amos and ask if he is also speaking to you. Paul reflects Amos as he writes, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5). Is there evidence that Christ is in you?
