Amos

Israel has been unfaithful to Yahweh.

Amos is called to announce God’s coming judgment on the northern kingdom of Israel. Though the kingdom has seen military success and prosperity, they are spiritually bankrupt. They have totally ignored the commands of the covenant and have instead begun worshiping pagan gods and losing sight of their call to live righteously and represent Yahweh to the nations. They have become infamous for cheating, stealing, and oppressing the poor in their community. Is there any hope for Israel?

One Last Chance

God is grieved by how far Israel has fallen. But Yahweh is a merciful God, and he gives them one last chance to turn back to covenant faithfulness. God doesn't want empty religious practices from his people. He wants to see his love for people reflected through the Israelites and faithfulness to Yahweh alone, but this can only come through renewed hearts.

At a Glance

• Overview
• Amos Series

Overview

NIV Bible Amos Introduction

The northern kingdom of Israel reached its greatest heights in the first half of the 8th century BC (2 Kings 14:23-25), during the forty-one-year reign of the powerful Jeroboam II. Confident in their nation’s victories, their worship, and their heritage, the people adopted the motto, “God is with us!” They were anticipating the day of the Lord, when God would strike down all their enemies and establish Israel as the undisputed ruler of the region.

Into this atmosphere of overconfident nationalism steps Amos, a shepherd from the southern kingdom of Judah. He stands in the great royal temple at Bethel and announces that God is stirring up a nation to conquer Israel. The day of the Lord, he insisted, will be darkness, not light. God isn’t impressed with Israel’s wealth, military might, or self-indulgent way of life. He is looking for justice, while the rich and powerful are taking advantage of the poor. God is calling Israel to repentance as the only way to avoid destruction.

The message causes an uproar. Amaziah, the high priest at Bethel, accuses Amos of treason. Amos is banished from the kingdom, but his oracles are recorded, creating one of the earliest collections we have from any Hebrew prophet. The book consists of roughly three dozen separate oracles, plus the story of his expulsion. Most of the book is loosely assembled, but it conveys one strong and consistent message: Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Bible Project

Amos Introduction

Spoken Gospel

Amos Series

Cornerstone Chapel