Amos

Amos Homework

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the book.

We are told in great detail in 1:1 that Amos prophesied during the time when Uzziah was reigning over Judah and Jeroboem II over Israel. This is one of the two prophetic books that prophesied directly to Israel. They were in a time of wealth and prosperity and were falling into depths of greed and pleasure seeking. Amos was a shepherd from Judah and spoke very sternly about the downfall that would come through their greed and the injustice placed on the poor of Israel. There is great emphasis on the poor and needy and we get a chance to see the Lord’s own heart for these people (5:10-13). 

While Amos is prophesying about destruction to come, we see that this is not without warning. In 3:7, the narrator tells us that “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plan to his servant the prophets.” He even brought famine to the land (4:6) in order to bring his people back. Yet they would not listen. The destruction to which he speaks is severe, yet this is not without hope. After many chapters of woe and warning, but not without a glimmer of hope towards the end ( 9:11-15). He leaves a remnant (9:8) in order to reestablish his people. 

2. What does this book show of the Character and Nature of God as well as His plan for redemption?

Through the book of Amos, we get a clear view of God’s heart for the poor and needy in our world. He speaks to harshly against injustice in this time period. He even says in response to these issues “there will be crying in the public squares and mourning in the public streets... There will be wailing in every vineyard for I will destroy them all.” (5:16-17) God is there to fight for his downtrodden people and the oppression of the poor. 

In the same way, we can see God’s longing for redemption even in his judgment and wrath. In the middle of the Lord’s description of the destruction he will bring, we still see him offer redemption. “Come back to me and live! Don’t worship the pagan alters... (5:4)” He promises hope and a remnant to carry on his purpose. “I will destroy [Israel} from the face of the earth. But I will never completely destroy the family of Israel.” Even in his judgement, he wants redemption. 

3. Application

Amos 5:21-24 “I hate all your show and pretense- the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and solemn assemblies. I will not accept your burnt offerings and grain offerings. I won’t even notice all those choice peace offerings. Away with your noisy hymns and praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice and an endless river of righteous living.”

This struck me. I don’t know if it’s because it reminds me of the Jon Foreman song or if it’s because God’s trying to tell me something specific, but it definitely stood out. It’s so interesting reading Amos and seeing the similarities between their time and our country. I feel like this verse is very much applicable to the church in America. So many go to church in order to get something out of it for themselves. Thats the entire mentality of the western church, that’s why there are so many church hoppers. But father help me to not let this be my heart cry. You look at the heart and if our heart is right and along side of yours, it will certainly cry for justice and against the oppression of the poor. Help me to step away and maybe encourage others to step away from the “what can the church give me” mentality.