Amos

Purpose
Amos forecasted the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel by Assyria, particularly because of their neglect of social justice in their community.

Authorship & Genre

Amos was one of the earliest of the writing prophets, an early contemporary of Hosea and Isaiah. His ministry preceded theirs only shortly. Though Amos himself was from Judah, God sent him to the northern kingdom of Israel to prophesy against it. Like Hosea, Amos indicted the nation for its rejection of the covenant, but Amos focused specifically on its gross social injustice and neglect of the poor and persecuted (as opposed to Hosea who addressed its rejection of the Lord).

Key Verse
Amos 2:6: Thus says the LORD, For three transgressions of Israel and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because they sell the righteous for money And the needy for a pair of sandals. (NASB)

Structure
1 Gods Indictment of the Nations 2 3 6 7 9 Five Prophetic Words Cows of Bashan People of Israel House of Israel At Ease in Zion Longing for the Day of the Lord Five Prophetic Visions The Lords Plumb line Plague of Locusts The Lords Altar Devouring Fire Basket of Fruit

Damascus

Ammon

Edom

Judah

Theological Themes
Social Justice: Amos provides a powerful reminder that God holds his people accountable for how they treat othersspecifically the poor and oppressed in society. God will judge the nations based on how well they treat the poor. Universal Judgment: Amos corrects a misunderstanding in Israel that the Day of the Lord would bring judgment upon the nations, but only blessing upon Israel. Though blessing is certainly in store, no nation will escape Gods judgment on that day.

Israel

Moab

Gaza

Tyre