Amos Introduction

Amos preached against injustice and oppression, anticipating themes that are in the New Testament (see Lk 1:52-53; 4:16-21; 18:22; 19:8-9; Jms 5:1-6). He also anticipated the teaching of Jesus Christ when he condemned worship that considers only outward form and not acts of love and compassion in the life of the worshiper (see Mt 5:23; Jn 15).

The book of Amos provokes questions about the relationship between private morality and public morality. It reacts not merely against hardhearted individuals but also against corrupt social structures. Amos invites the reader to look for general principles that could be applied to any governmental system. For example, Amos showed that God is concerned that a government provide channels for addressing issues of justice for all its citizens (2:6-8; 5:24; 8:4-6).

Amos revealed that the Lord is sovereign over the nations of the earth, expecting righteousness from all peoples, especially Israel and Judah. That perspective sees that the Lord created the earth and all its inhabitants. Creation theology permeates the book and will have decided consequences for those who seek to understand their relationship to the world.

What the Lord expected of Israel is not so far removed from what he expects of his people today. We should glean from Amos issues that are universal in scope. The book of Amos has much to say to the church about requirements for justice among Christians as well as about a sense of compassion and generosity in one’s dealings with society in general.