Title Amos' title and preface (Amos 01:1-2)
Contents Prophet Amos appeared a little earlier than Isaiah, but as some people misunderstand, he is not Amos, the father of Isaiah (Isa 1:1). Because in Hebrew their names are different. Their ancestry was also different. Isaiah was a servant in the court, and the prophet Amos was a farmer.
2. Age The date of Amos is 780-760 B.C. A contemporary of Hosea and slightly ahead of the Jewish prophets Isaiah and Micah. While prophesying in Bethel, Israel, he was expelled from Israel and returned to Judea after being accused of treason by Amaziah, a priest who served idols (7:10-17). This was the second half of the reign of Jeroboam II of Israel (785-745 BC), a period of great military success and great expansion of materialism for the northern tribes, which was the target of the prophet's fierce attack.
3. Purpose of Record
(1) Historical Purpose The purpose of the book of Amos was to urge the northern tribes, who prospered under Jeroboam II, and lived mainly on material things, to repent of their sins.
(2) Doctrinal Purpose The book of Amos teaches God's hatred of evil, His jealousy for good, and the sanctity of His law. There are countless references to the Mosaic Law in the book of Amos.
(3) Christological purpose The book of Amos presents Christ as the rebuilder of the tabernacle of David (9:11) and the farmer of God's people (9:13).
4. Historical Background For the historical background of this book, see the introduction to the book of Hosea. Hosea was younger than Amos, but a contemporary of him, and his prophecies were 10 or 20 years behind Amos's. The historical situation in the time of Amos was relatively stable. But Amos was well aware that such stability could never last long.
5. Lesson
(1) Amos' view of YHWH Amos presents a world-wide view of the priesthood and nations. He never refers to YHWH by the term they are familiar with, “the God of Israel.” God's message says, "It is focused on the one-sided prophetic conviction that God is the only righteous ruler of the world, who rules his people with righteousness and breaks them down like a clay vessel in rebellion." Amos clearly presents the character of God. “He communicates with others” at Amos 3:7, “He hates and loathes” at 5:21-22, “He repents” at 4:2, 6:8, “He repents”, 9:3- Verse 4 says, “He commands.” The attributes of the absolute God are emphasized by Amos. 1) God's omnipotence in his creative work (4:13, 5:8), in the dominion of his natural forces (4:6-11), in his sovereignty over the nations (chapters 1-2; 5:9; 9:7), and in his titles, 'Yahweh', 'Lord YHWH', 'YHWH God of hosts', 'YHWH His name is God of hosts', 'Lord', etc. 2) God's omniscience is clearly taught (9:2-4), clearly implied, and declared in the knowledge of human thoughts (
4.13). YHWH's righteousness is always emphasized by Amos, and this righteousness appears as one of the most important elements of his precepts. Compassion is not overlooked in Amos' teaching, although it is not the highest element.
(2) Amos' view of Israel 1) The Israelites had a special relationship with God that included responsibility on their side as God's people (2:9-12) 2) His people were God's people It should be reflected (5:14-15, 24). God gave his law to Judea and Israel (2:4), and they became his special people (3:2). 3) But Israel did not carry out God's intention. Therefore, judgment had to come upon them as upon the people who rejected God. This judgment will be a judgment of aggression and captivity, but nevertheless YHWH will have the enemies conquered under him and deliver the remnant through the house of Mal David (9:11-12).
(3) The enduring lessons of the book of Amos 1) Mutual justice between humans is one of the foundations of God's ordained society. 2) Privilege implies responsibility. As Israel enjoyed certain privileges, it also received special responsibilities. 3) Failure to recognize and accept responsibility leads to punishment. 4) Nations have a duty to live according to the light and knowledge given them. 5) Even the most elaborate worship is an insult to God when it is performed by those who do not intend to conform to God's commands.
(1) Those words were revealed to Amos in a vision, just as the apostle John saw a voice speaking to Zaki (Revelation 1:12).
(2) For Amos, the words of the prophecy that had been revealed were as certain as what he had seen with the naked eye. This suggests that Amos' faith, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1), was very strong. 7. Word Outline The book of Amos is divided into three parts. There are eight commandments, three sermons, and six visions of judgment and restoration.
(1) Declaration of Sin and Judgment: Eight Commands (chapters 1-2) Beginning with the nations around Israel, Amos declares God's judgment 1) Syria because of their cruelty (1:3-5) 2) Philistines for slavery (1:9-10) 3) Phoenicians for breaking the covenant (1:9-10) 4) Edom for their vengeance (1:13-15) 5) Ammon for their assault (1:13-15) 6) Moab because of their iniquity (2:1-3) 7) Judea because of their abuse of the law (2:4-6) 8) Israel who abused the law will be judged (2:6-16).
(2) Advice on sin and judgment: three sermons (chapters 3-6) 1) The first message states the reason for God's judgment - sin (chapter 3). 2) Second, it states the result of God's judgment - destruction (Chapter 4). 3) Third, think about sin and God's imminent judgment and demand repentance (chapters 5-6).