Bible

In the Bible room today, we begin reading the summary of the book of Amos. In Session 1 we cover chapters 1 through 3.

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Amos

Session 1 of 3

Introduction to Amos:

Writer: Amos.

Scope: A farmer and shepherd, tending his fig trees and flocks on his farm about ten miles south of Jerusalem, Amos is called to begin his life as a prophet in Samaria, proclaiming the word of the Lord around 755 b.c. He was a contemporary of Jonah and Hosea, a little older than Isaiah, directing his prophetic words from the Lord primarily to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, with a few mentions of Judah, the Southern Kingdom.

Chapter 1. Transgressions

Amos prophesies when King Uzziah rules in Judah; King Jeroboam in Israel:

• The Lord roars judgements from Jerusalem and all Judah;
• He calls out Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon;
• They are all guilty of three and four major transgressions;
• And the Lord will not withhold His punishment of them;
• He will send fire to burn their houses and palaces;
• And the king of Ammon will be taken prisoner.

Chapter 2. Punishment

The Lord continues speaking to Amos:

• Moab is guilty of three and four transgressions;
• And they burned the bones of the king of Edom;
• The Lord will not withhold punishment from them;
• He will kill their leaders, burn their palaces;
• Judah will not escape the Lord’s punishment;
• They are guilty of three and four transgressions;
• They have failed to keep the commandments of the Lord;
• He will send fire to burn the palaces of Jerusalem;
• Israel is guilty of three and four transgressions;
• They mistreat the poor, deal in slavery, adultery, idolatry;
• They even told the prophets not to prophecy;
• The Lord reminds them: He is the One Who has saved them;
• As a people, they exist only because of His protection;
• The Lord says He has grown weary keeping them safe;
• He says they will not be able to escape the coming punishment.

Chapter 3. Adversary

The Lord says an adversary is coming to surround the children of Israel:

• And He tells them to listen to His prophet;
• He tells them they are the only people He has chosen;
• But they have sinned, and He is going to discipline them;
• The Lord has shown His intentions to His prophets;
• When they speak, they are speaking for Him;
• The Lord says too many people do not know right and wrong;
• He says His people are going to be surrounded by an adversary;
• This adversary is going to pillage and plunder them;
• Samaria is going to be captured, destroyed;
• Israel is going to be punished for their transgressions;
• The Lord will destroy all the places of idol worship;
• Israel’s palatial homes will also be destroyed.

End of Session 1 of 3 of the book of Amos.