Amos - Introduction

PLUS

NEXT I. Judgments against the Nations (Amos 1:3–2:16)

Introduction

Author

AMOS WAS NOT A PROPHET BY vocation; he was a sheep breeder (1:1). God took him from the flock and commanded him to prophesy to Israel (7:15). Thus, he ministered to the northern kingdom, even though Amos himself was from Judah. His hometown was Tekoa (1:1), a village located about ten miles south of Jerusalem. Tekoa was hill country, a rugged area that required its citizens to be just as rugged in order to make the land work for them. According to 2 Chronicles 11:5-11, Tekoa was fortified by Rehoboam, king of Judah, as a defense city for Jerusalem. Amos prophesied in the eighth century BC, during the reigns of King Uzziah (792–740 BC) of Judah and King Jeroboam II (793–753 BC) of Israel.

Historical Background

The time period during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II was one of prosperity and military success for both Israel and Judah. Samaria, the capital city of Israel, for instance, experienced wealth and luxury; however, this was accompanied by idolatry and moral decline. As a result, Amos cried out against Samaria’s wickedness and self-indulgence (3:9; 4:1; 6:1; 8:14). Though its leaders experienced prosperity, the poor were exploited (2:6; 3:10; 4:1; 5:11; 8:4-6). It was against this nation—bereft of righteousness and full of corruption and idolatry—that Amos was sent to prophesy, “Let justice flow like water, and righteousness, like an unfailing stream” (5:24).

Message and Purpose

The prophecy of Amos was delivered to the people in the northern kingdom of Israel who appeared to be experiencing kingdom blessings. But God had a message for them: prosperity does not imply kingdom blessing when it is mixed with rebellion against him. Amos’s readers were actually living under God’s displeasure because they enjoyed the benefits of prosperity while ignoring the disenfranchised among them. They celebrated their affluence while being unjust to those who didn’t enjoy the same economic and social status.

Amos was very direct in telling the people they could not enjoy kingdom benefits without living kingdom lives. God expects his people to be a blessing; we should not simply use his blessings for selfish indulgence. The people needed to learn that living under God’s kingdom rule was to be done in an obedient and generous way.

Amos also prophesied about the day when a restored remnant of Israel would be the means through whom God would bring blessing to all people. Amos shows how God uses those living under his kingdom plan to accomplish his promises of blessing.

VIDEO INTRO

Outline