The Prophet Amos

The Prophet Amos

Amos 1-9

Introduction...

 

            I have chosen to take a broad look at the Book of Amos from the Old Testament thru next week. There are some major themes that apply to us today. Have your spiritual eyes and ears open to hear what God wishes to say to you via His Holy Spirit.

            The purpose of this writing was to pronounce God’s judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for its complacency, idolatry, and oppression of the poor. The vessel God used was the prophet Amos, who was a shepherd and fig grower from the southern kingdom of Judah.

The kings of the two kingdoms were Jeroboam II in Israel and Uzziah in Judah. This writing took place between 760-750 B.C..

            Let’s set the stage: The wealthy people of Israel were enjoying peace and prosperity, so much so that they had become complacent. In addition they had begun oppressing the poor among them by various means, including selling them into slavery. Soon, however, Israel’s elite would see their kingdom overrun by Assyria. It was then that the wealthy were themselves sold into slavery.

            Amos was not the son of a prophet, nor was he the son of a priest. He was in fact a humble shepherd who sought nothing more than to stay where he was in the town of Tekoa, tending to his flock, providing for his family, and worshiping his God. However, God had a different plan for his life. God gave Amos a vision of the future (1:1) and told him to bring his message to the northern kingdom of Israel (7:15). Amos obeyed. Monday we will take a look at Amos’ message of judgment from God to the northern kingdom. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible, pp.1861-1880.