God shows Amos visions that graphically display the extent of His wrath against Israel. The two visions in this text are notable for Amos’ reaction and intercession on behalf of the people. Interestingly, this section of the book is as much about Amos as it is about Israel. Chapter 7 appears to mark a change […]
Amos continues his condemnation of Israel by pointing out the people’s ignorance of what is coming and their ignorance of their true standing before God. 5:18-20 This is the first mention of the day of the Lord in the Old Testament (chronologically speaking). Apparently the people hold to a tradition that there is a coming […]
Amos ended his remarks in Chapter 4 with a hymn recounting the power of God. He now switches to a dirge to describe the death that awaits Israel. His hearers are likely jarred by the change in tone. Amos begins to chant as if he is in a funeral procession mourning the death of a […]
Amos continues his condemnation of Israel. He discusses their worship and reminds his listeners that God’s coming wrath is not without warning. 4-5 Bethel is the main place of worship. It was set up by Jeroboam I soon after the kingdoms split. It is one of two places – along with Dan – where Jeroboam […]
Amos begins to give more detail about Israel’s coming destruction as well as more detail about why they have earned God’s wrath. He makes sure his listeners understand these are God’s words as he repeatedly tells them, “Thus says Yahweh,” or “Thus says Sovereign Yahweh.” 9-12 Amos calls for the wealthy residents (the wealthy are […]
After Amos tells the Israelites their status as God’s chosen people actually puts them in more danger than the pagans, he tells them their impending judgment is the logical outcome of their behavior. This is a continuation of his defense of the sentence he prophesied in 2:13-16. 3-6 He begins by asking several rhetorical questions. […]
Amos begins his second series of oracles. Remember that the Israelites listening to Amos are likely shocked to hear they are in danger of judgment. Times are good, they worship Yahweh as they have for almost two centuries, God’s blessing is clearly in their lives, and their behavior has been rationalized for so long that […]
Amos has finished his prophecies about the surrounding nations and now reaches his main message – his proclamations against Israel itself. Interestingly, his initial condemnations are similar to the charges made against the pagans. The people of Israel are no longer distinguishable from the people without the law. As noted before, Amos’ listeners could very […]
Amos proclaims judgment on seven nations surrounding Israel. He prophesies against Israel’s neighbors before finally working his way back to Israel itself. Six of the seven countries are pagan – the seventh is Judah. The purpose of these prophecies seems to be to show God as judge over all the earth, not just Israel. It […]
1 Amos is a sheepherder and keeper of figs from Tekoa, a city just south of Jerusalem in Judah, sent by God to prophesy against Israel. Though he lives in the Southern Kingdom, he is sent to speak against the North. The words he speaks come from visions that God has sent to him. He […]
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