“This is what the Lord says: ‘The people of Damascus have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished.’”– Amos 1:3 NLT
The Purpose: to pronounce judgment upon Israel (the Northern Kingdom).
The Author: Amos of Tekoa in Judah.
When Written: Approximately 760-750 BC
The Setting: Israel’s wealthy were living in peace and prosperity and as a result had become complacent. God’s problem with them was how they were oppressing those in need, even selling them into slavery.
Their punishment: Israel would be conquered by Assyria and the rich would be sold into slavery.
This is yet again another prophecy of warning to the people of Israel. The economic blessing that the Lord had bestowed upon them had caused the people to become selfish and materialistic. They had begun to ignore the needs of the poor and less fortunate. Their self-centeredness caused them to become indifferent toward God. The Lord could have turned away from Israel due to the sinful disobedience, but his love for them ran so deep that he instead chose to punish them as a parent would punish a child. This was done as a means to bring the people to repentance.
Understanding that sin cannot intermingle with a holy God, Amos spoke out boldly against those who both exploited and ignored those in need. What Amos’ message from God was saying to the people of Israel and for that matter, the believers of today is that believing in God is much more than just ones individual faith. According to this writing all believers are to work against societal injustice and aid those who are less fortunate.
During the time period Amos was prophesying, two other prophets were active in delivering God’s message; they were Jonah and Hosea.
I stated in one of my books that it matters little to God that you acquire wealth. The real issue is how you got it and what you do with it. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
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