Minor Prophets - Amos
An Overview of Amos
Introduction:
(1) Amos, whose name means “burden-bearer”, is known as the “prophet of justice.”
(a) His home was in Tekoa, which was 12 miles south of Jerusalem.
(b) His occupation was two-fold:
1. Herdsman of a particular type of sheep – nakads, which were known for their fine wool.
2. Gatherer of sycamore figs (sweet and watery – eaten more by the poor)
(c) He was not a “professional” prophet (i.e., he had not gone to the school of the prophets).
1. He was a plain, simple, humble man of God.
2. He was a southern boy going up north to preach.
a. He was from the southern kingdom but was called to go preach.
b. He went to Bethel, which was the very seta of idolatry in the northern kingdom (also, the very place where Jeroboam II worshipped).
(2) The date of the book is around 755 B.C., which was during a period known as the “Golden Age” in the Northern Kingdom.
(a) The kingdom was strong politically, economically, and strong in its military.
(b) Therefore, many people were materialistic during such prosperity.
(c) Also, many people had turned to worshipping idols.
Discussion:
I. General sins denounced (Amos 1-2)
A. Judgments upon surrounding nations (1:1-2:3)
1. Against Damascus (1:3-5)
2. Against Gaza (1:6-8)
3. Against Tyre (1:9-10)
4. Against Edom (1:11-12)
5. Against Ammon (1:13-15)
6. Against Moab (2:1-3)
B. Judgments upon Judah and Israel for neglecting God’s Word (2:4-16)
1. Against Judah (2:4-5)
2. Against Israel (2:6-16)
II. Specific sins exposed (Amos 3-6)
A. Punishment must come because of Israel’s unique relationship with God (3:1-15).
B. Sins:
1. Sin of Presumption (3:1-15) – Rejection of their responsibilities
2. Sin of Religious Hypocrisy (4:1-13)
a. Moral Character – Social and moral decay
b. Religious Character – Spiritually dead and vain rituals
c. Vv. 12-13 – Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel
3. Sin of moral and ethical corruption (5:1-6:14)
III. Symbolic Visions Discussed (7 –9:10):
5 visions of the coming judgment –
1. The Plaque of Locusts (7:1-3)
2. The Devouring Fire (7:4-6)
3. The Plumbline (7:7-9)
4. The Basket of the Summer Fruit (8:1-14)
5. The Altar (9:1-10)
IV. Future Blessings Promised (9:11-15)
A. The Messianic Kingdom (9:11-13)
B. The Restoration of Israel (9:14-15)
Conclusion:
(1) Point is: Even when things are going well, don’t forget about God.
(2) If you do, then one day all that you physically have will be taken from you.
(3) If you then don’t have God, you won’t have anything.
(4) If you are in this boat, then there is still a light at the end of the tunnel for you.
(a) Turn again to God and be blessed.
(b) The time to do this is now because tomorrow will be too late.
(5) Will you stand with God in both the bad times and the good times?