INTRODUCTION TO AMOSAmos was a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah and was possibly a manager of shepherds (1:1; 7:14). He also took care of sycamore-fig trees. He lived during the long, prosperous reigns of King Uzziah (also called Amaziah) of Judah and King Jeroboam II of northern Israel (2 Ki 14). Amos was not a professional prophet nor from a family of prophets. But God called him to leave his home in Judah and go to Israel to prophecy to the people (7:15). Amos lived during strong economic and political expansion for both Judah and Israel. Jeroboam II had restored the former boundaries of Israel as they had been under David and Solomon (2 Ki 14:25). The resulting wealth from tribute and trade created a wealthy upper class that enjoyed winter and summer homes, the best foods and spent their days in music (3:15; 6:4-11). But the people became proud, selfish and complacent. Their religion was empty. They oppressed, cheated and humiliated the lower classes. Against this back drop, Amos repeatedly proclaims a message of social justice, righteousness and God's judgment. However, because of the Israelites' stubborn hearts, Amos also warns that the Assyrians would conquer Israel and exile the people. This prophecy was fulfilled in 722 B.C. The book ends with hope that one day, God would restore his people. This hope was fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. There are many parallels between Amos' times and ours. May our hearts be challenged to genuinely love God and to seek justice, righteousness and compassion for others.
A SHEPHERD SPEAKS GOD'S MESSAGE
1. Amos' vision of the LORD (1-2)
Amos was a shepherd from Judah to whom God gave visions and prophecies of judgment. The surrounding nations committed terrible evils against people. Injustice was everywhere. But the LORD, the God of Israel, still ruled the world. He roared from Zion and thundered from Jerusalem. He would bring judgment against the nations.
2. Judgment on Israel's neighbors (3-15)
Amos' message was primarily for Israel but he began with prophecies against the surrounding nations. The king of Aram would be destroyed and the people sent into exile for their mistreatment of the people of Gilead. The Philistines and the people of Tyre sold whole communities to Edom. The Edomites pursued their own brothers, the Israelites. Both Edomites and Ammonites killed women in war. God would bring fire, war, and destruction upon all these nations.
Application: Lord, though people are wicked, and the world is dark, you are sovereign and will bring judgment on all evil. Help me to pursue righteousness.
One Word: The LORD roars from Zion