Amos |
National sin inevitably spells national judgment.
|
Amos was not a prophet or a prophet’s son, but a shepherd and husbandman (Amos 7:14). He was conscious of an irresistible commission (Amos 3:8; 7:15). To this he bore witness when Amaziah, the high priest of idolatry, charged him with conspiracy. God is sovereign and selects as His messengers whom He will. Tekoa, still known by that name, was situated on a noble elevation, six miles south of Bethlehem. From this Judean village Amos was sent on a prophetic mission into the land of Israel. Under the rule of Jeroboam II the nation had reached the high tide of power and prosperity, but corruption and oppression prevailed.
The style of this book is simple, picturesque, and striking. Its illustrations are borrowed from rural employments and breathe the fresh atmosphere of the country. The allusions to history, such as found in Amos 9:7, as well as the power of consecutive thought here shown, prove that, despite the responsible duties of shepherd, Amos found time for mental as well as spiritual culture. (Meyer)
“Prepare to Meet thy God, O Israel”
I. God’s Impending Judgments, Amos 1-2
1. Upon the Surrounding Nations, Amos 1:1-2:5
2. Upon Israel, Amos 2:6-16
II. The Statement of Israel’s Accusation, Amos 3-6
1. Sins That Demand Rebuke, Amos 3
2. Defiance of God’s Judgments, Amos 4
3. Substitution of Religious Forms for Righteousness, Amos 5
4. Luxurious Self-Indulgence, Amos 6
III. Symbolic Visions of Israel’s Future, Amos 7-9
1. Locusts, Fire, the Plumb-Line, Amos 7:1-9
(Amos’ Prophesying Provokes Resistance), Amos 7:10-17
2. The Basket of Summer Fruit, Amos 8:1-3
(The Accusation Renewed), Amos 8:4-10
3. The Famine of the Word of God, Amos 8:11-14
4. The Smiting of the Temple Pillars, Amos 9:1-10
5. Israel’s Final Restoration, Amos 9:11-15 - Through the Bible Day by Day
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.