Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Book Overview - Amos
by E.W. Bullinger
Amo
THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK AS A WHOLE.
( Repeated Alternation .)
Amos 1:1-2. THE TITLE.
Amos 1:36-14. LITERAL. PROPHETIC.
Amos 7:1-9. SYMBOLIC. GRASSHOPPERS. FIRE. PLUMBLINE.
Amos 7:10-17. LITERAL. PROPHETIC.
Amos 8:1-3. SYMBOLIC. BASKET OF SUMMER FRUIT.
Amos 8:4-14. LITERAL. PROPHETIC.
Amos 9:1-4. SYMBOLIC. STRIKING THE LINTEL.
Amos 9:5-15. LITERAL. PROPHETIC.
For the Canonical order and place of the Prophets, see Appdx-1, and p. 1207
For the Chronological order of the Prophets, see Appdx-77.
For the Inter-relation of the Prophetic Books, see Appdx-78.
For the Inter-relation of the Minor (or Shorter) Prophets, see p. 1206.
For the Formula of Prophetic utterance, see Appdx-82.
For the References to the Pentateuch by the Prophets, see Appdx-92.
Amos corresponds to Hosea, the link being Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:27). See p. 1206. A native of Judah, he prophesied in Israel (Amos 1:1; Amos 7:10), and against Israel. As Jeroboam II died in the fourteenth year of Uzziah king of Judah, Amos was among the earliest of all the prophets (chronologically). Hence:
The references to Israel""s Religious History shows that the Law and Commandments were known (Amos 2:4) though not kept, but despised (Amos 2:4); that Israel was oppressive (Amos 2:6), impure (Amos 2:7), luxurious (Amos 6:1, Amos 6:6), idolatrous (Amos 2:8); that they had had earlier prophets (Amos 2:11; Amos 7:14; Amos 8:11); that Israel alone knew the true God (Amos 3:2); that Beth-el and Gilgal had been places of transgression (Amos 3:14; Amos 4:4; Amos 5:5).
The references to Israel""s Internal History show that the nation had once been one (Amos 3:1); that Joseph""s history was well known (Amos 6:6); that the high places of Israel were known (Amos 7:9); as was David (Amos 6:5).
The references to Israel""s External History show that the Exodus was known (Amos 2:10; Amos 3:1; Amos 5:25; Amos 9:7); that the nation had wandered in the wilderness (Amos 2:10; Amos 5:25); and were idolaters there (Amos 5:25, Amos 5:26); that the Amorites had been destroyed (Amos 2:9, Amos 2:10); that Gilead (Amos 1:13) and Sodom (Amos 4:11) had been destroyed.
The references to the Ceremonial Law show that it could not have been written after the days of Amos. Note the references to Burnt offerings (Amos 4:4; Amos 5:22), and the Altar of Burnt offerings (Amos 9:1); Meal offerings (Amos 5:22); Peace offerings (Amos 5:22); Thank offerings (Amos 4:5); Freewill offerings (Amos 4:5); Feast days (Amos 5:21); Feast of New Moon (Amos 8:5); the Sabbath laws (Amos 8:5); laws as to debt (Amos 8:6); to vows (Amos 2:11, Amos 2:12); to baldness for the dead (Amos 8:10); to pledges (Amos 2:8), and many other things.
As to the dating of Amos, it is "concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, two years before the earthquake" (Amos 1:1). Uzziah and Jeroboam II were contemporary from the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam till his forty-second year:i.e. fourteen years (from 701 687 B.C.). See Appdx-50.