Amos
Author
Amos, whose name means “burden-bearer.” Before his call as a prophet, he was not a known figure in Jewish history. When the Lord called him, he was a shepherd, tending to his flock of sheep and goats (7:14-15). (This is reminiscent of King David, who was also called by Samuel while shepherding his father’s flocks.)
Date
About 760 B.C., at the end of Jeroboam’s reign as king.
Audience and Purpose
Amos spoke mostly to the northern kingdom, Israel, although he also delivers prophetic words to Judah and the other surrounding nations.
Israel was, at that time, a mighty power in the region, and was booming economically. The people had become so self-sufficient, that God was forgotten in the nation. Against this backdrop, Amos points out the sinful action being done by the prophets, priests and princes. He decries that injustice is happening among the people of God, as the rich sell the poor to gain more wealth. He boldly declares that although the religious sacrifices and feasts are taking place, God is refusing to accept them because of the wickedness in their hearts (5:21-24). His hope is to bring people to repentance, before God’s judgement comes on the nation.
Major Themes
- Morality.
- Idolatry.
- Sin and Judgement.
- God’s Justice.
Key Scriptures
- Amos 5:4 — “For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek me and live”
- Amos 5:24 — “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Outline
- Amos 1:1-2:16 — Prophecy of Condemnations towards the Nations, Judah, and Israel
- Amos 3:1-6:14 — Prophecy of God’s Judgment on Israel
- Amos 7:1–9:15 — Visions of God’s Judgment and Restoration
Gospel Summary
Amos brings our attention to the fact that God’s righteousness is not fulfilled simply by keeping the law. The righteous commandments listed in the Old Testament are a matter of the heart. This sentiment is brought to light more clearly throughout the New Testament. Consider Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5 on anger being equal to murder and lust being the same as adultery. He said in Matthew 15:19-20 that “out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person…” Also consider Paul, who though he kept the law perfectly according to the traditions of the Jewish religion, continually declared his own inadequacy and need to a Savior.
Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).” As Amos points out, this goes beyond just the physical requirement, but comes from a complete submission to God — heart, soul, mind, and strength.
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© Anthony Scott Ingram 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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