Book of Amos

Submitted By:

Bro. Andrew B. Codilla

Bachelor of Theology 2

Submitted To:

Missionary Lydia Kim

Professor in Prophets

March 14, 2023

 “Book of Amos”

Vital Statistics:

 Author: Amos was from Tekoa (1:1), a small town about 6 miles south of Bethlehem
and 11 miles from Jerusalem. He was not a man of the court like Isaiah, or a priest
like Jeremiah. He earned his living from the flock and the sycamore-fig grove (1:1;
7:14-15).

 Audience: Israel

 Purpose: To pronounce God’s judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for its
complacency, idolatry, and oppression of the poor.

 Date Written and Historical Situation:

o According to the first verse Amos prophesied during the reign of Uzziah over
Judah (792-740 B.C) and Jeroboam II over Israel (793-753).
o The main part of his ministry was probably carried out 760-750. Both
kingdoms were enjoying great prosperity and had reached new political and
military heights (2 Kings 14:23-15:7; 2 Chr. 26). It was also a time of
idolatry, extravagant indulgence in luxurious living, immorality,
corruption of judicial procedures and oppression to the poor. As a
consequence, God would soon bring about the Assyrian captivity of the
northern kingdom (722-721).

 Theme and Message: The dominant theme is clearly stated in 5:24, which calls for
social justice as the indispensable expression of true piety. Amos was a vigorous
spokesman for God’s justice and righteousness, whereas Hosea emphasized God’s
love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Despite His special choice of Israel and His
kindness to he during the exodus and conquest and in the days of David and
Solomon, His people continually failed to honor and obey Him. Amos condemns all
who make themselves powerful or rich at the expense of others. Those who had
acquired two splendid houses (3:15), expensive furniture and richly furnished tables
by cheating, perverting justice and crushing the poor would lose everything they had.

Theme Explanation Importance

Everyone Amos pronounced judgment from God
Answers to on all the surrounding nations. Then he
God included Judah and Israel. God is in
supreme control of all the nations.
Everyone is accountable to Him.
Complacency Everyone was optimistic, business was
booming, and people were happy (except
for the poor and oppressed). With all the
comfort and luxury came self-sufficiency
and a false sense of security. But
prosperity brought corruption and
All the people will have to account for their
sin. When those who reject God seem to
get ahead, don’t envy their prosperity or
feel sorry for yourself. Remember that we
all must answer to God for how we live.
A complacent present leads to a
disastrous future. Don’t congratulate
yourself for the blessings and benefits you
now enjoy. They are from God. If you are
more satisfied with yourself than with God,
remember that everything is meaningless
 destruction.
Oppressing the The wealthy and powerful people of
Poor Samaria, the capital of Israel, had
become prosperous, greedy, and
unjust. Illegal and immoral slavery
came as the result of over-taxation and
land-grabbing. There was also cruelty
and indifference toward the poor. God is
weary of greed and will not tolerate
injustice
Superficial Although many people had abandoned
Religion real faith in God, they still pretended to be
religious. They were carrying on
superficial religious exercises instead of
having spiritual integrity and practicing
heartfelt obedience toward God.
without Him. A self-sufficient attitude
may be your downfall.
God made all people, therefore, to ignore
the poor, is to ignore those who, God loves
and whom Christ came to save. We must
go beyond feeling bad for the poor and
oppressed. We must act
compassionately to stop injustice and
to help care for those in need.
Merely participating in ceremony or ritual
falls short of true religion. God wants
simple trust in Him, not showy external
actions. Don’t settle for impressing
others with external rituals when God
wants heartfelt obedience and
commitment.

Outline:

I. Superscription (1:1)
II. Introduction to Amos’s Message (1:2)
III. Judgment on the Nations (1:3-2:16)
IV. Oracles against Israel (3:1-5:17)
a) Judgment on the Chosen People (Chapter 3)
b) Judgment on the Unchosen People (chapter 4)
c) Judgment on the Unjust People (5:1-17)
V. Announcements (5:18-6:14)
VI. Visions of Divine Retribution (7:1-9:10)
VII. Restored Israel’s Blessed Future (9:11-15)

Bibliography

I. “Amos”, Life Application Study Bible, page 1435-1436.

II. “Amos”, Zondervan NASB Study Bible, page 1274-1276.