AMOS
(Means: To Carry a Load) - He was a sheep herder and farmer in Judah
Historical Setting
During Jeroboam II (Israel) - 2 Kgs 14
During Uzziah (Judah) - 2 Chr. 26
Prophecy Against
Israel in the North
Time Period
760-750 B.C.
Historical Theme - What did it mean then?
1. Amos was warning Israel that if they did not repent, certain doom would happen. This was a "turn or burn" message.
2. Amos was warning that even though there was "peace and prosperity" the time is still now to repent - Prepare to meet your God (4:12)
Outline of the Book
1. Eight Oracles against Nations (Ch 1-2)
2. Three Messages against Israel (Ch 3-6)
a. Certain judgement on all (ch 3-4)
b. False worship rebuked (ch 5)
c. Prosperity judged (ch. 6)
3. Five visions
Reasons to read it:
1. When you get a promotion and you think your "security" is found in your job and things
2. When you get into "form" worship and you "practice religion" rather than mercy and justice
3. When you are NOT in a repentive mood
Future Theme - What's it mean in future?
1. Coming Day of the Lord - (4:12) How should we prepare
2. In a future day God will establish David’s throne (9:11-12 c.f. Acts 15:16,17)
Practical Theme - What does it mean for me today?
1. God can use those from other cultures and cities and peoples to speak to us (1:1)
2. God will send forth His Word but that doesn't mean people will repent. Don't judge a ministry by fruit of repentance. Judge it by the the fact that it stands for God's Word.
3. God abhors false repentance. When it comes to repentance and judgement, RANK doesn't have special privileges. Israel might have been God's children but they still needed to repent. The "women of Bashan" might have thought they had privilege but they will still be judged. (ch 3-4)
4. God abhors false worship. He wants "justice and mercy" not "sacrifice and singing" (ch 5)
5. God abhors false security. He wants us to trust Him not the things we possess or accumulate.
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