AMOS

Amos, a shepherd and fig farmer from Judah, is called by God to travel north and confront the sins of Israel. Specifically, Amos rebukes their false worship, selfishness, and oppression of the poor. Amos delivers a warning of the “Day of the Lord,” a time Israel will face God’s justice and judgment. This prophecy likely takes place during the leadership of Jeroboam II (Israel) and Uzziah (Judah), a time of division between the two kingdoms.

In his message, Amos explains the vivid imagery of his visions, including a bowl of ripe fruit and a measuring tool, symbolizing Israel’s rottenness and inevitable downfall. Amos calls the people to “seek the Lord and live” (Amos 5:4-6). While much of his message focuses on judgment, Amos also offers a glimpse of hope, pointing to God’s future restoration of Israel through a descendant of David.

    • Injustice and judgment 

    • Social justice 

    • True worship vs. empty ritual

    • Hope for restoration 

    • Amos 

    • King Jeroboam II of Israel

    • King Uzziah of Judah

    • Priest Amaziah

    • Author: Amos

    • Date: 760-753 BCE 

    • Intended Audience: The people of the northern kingdom of Israel, specifically the wealthy, powerful, and religious figures who were complicit in the injustices happening in Israel.  

AMOS 1

ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ISRAEL’S NEIGHBORS 

Amos begins by pronouncing God's judgment to the nations and capital cities surrounding Israel—Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab. Because of their hostility and brutality towards other nations, God will send His judgment upon them in the form of fire, symbolizing complete destruction.

Although the people of these cities do not worship God and are not held to the same standard as God’s people, their actions are sinful, inhumane, and unacceptable to God. Amos highlights the sinfulness of foreign nations before turning the spotlight on God’s own people.

AMOS 2

JUDGMENT AGAINST JUDAH + ISRAEL 

Amos continues warning the surrounding nations of Israel, including the Moabites, who will face God's judgment for their brutal treatment of the king of Edom.

Through Amos, God tells of the coming judgment on the nation of Judah. Unlike the previous nations, Judah’s sin is not external cruelty, but the rejection of God’s Word. This distinction underscores the unique relationship God has with His people. He doesn’t merely demand obedience; He seeks a committed relationship with them. Despite this covenant, Judah will experience the same judgment as the surrounding nations.

Finally, the nation of Israel is rebuked and warned of their impending judgment. God confronts their wrongdoings, including oppression of the poor, sexual immorality, drunkenness, and blasphemy.

God emphasizes His goodness to the Israelites and reminds them of their rescue from Egypt. Instead of remaining faithful, the Israelites have become unrecognizable. God tells the Israelites that not even the fastest and strongest among them will escape His judgment over Israel.

AMOS 3

ISRAEL’S FRACTURED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD 

God reminds Israel of their unique relationship, recalling how He chose the family of Abraham and rescued them from slavery in Egypt. God reveals His plan to bring judgment upon the Israelites for their continued rebellion, comparing His wrath to a roaring lion.

God has sent previous warnings through prophets, urging them to repent, but they were all rejected. Because of their rebellion and injustice, Israel’s adversaries will surround them and only a small remnant will survive. This prophecy was soon fulfilled when Assyria invaded Jerusalem forty years later (see 2 Kings 17).

God will bring His judgment upon Israel’s sin, starting with the destruction of their places of idol worship.

AMOS 4

ISRAEL IGNORED GOD’S EARLIER WARNINGS 

God continues rebuking the people of Israel, calling out their meaningless sacrifices and religious practices. Valuing relationships over ritual, God wants the hearts and attention of His people more than their false religiosity.

God previously sent plagues, famine, and oppression upon Israel as a warning to repent. Despite these many warnings, Israel did not return to God or seek His guidance. Because they’ve ignored God’s warnings and prophets, Israel must now deal with God directly.

AMOS 5

SEEK GOOD + HATE EVIL  

God tells Israel that they are no longer an innocent, faithful nation. For every one-hundred men in Israel, only ten will remain steadfast. God continues to urge the Israelites to seek Him as the one true God instead of false idols. The Israelites who seek God, hate evil, and love good will live, but the rest will perish.

God previously instated ceremonial feasts and celebrations for the Israelites, but now they are meaningless because they are insincere and hypocritical. God foretells the Day of the Lord, when His justice and judgment will come upon Israel. Because of their rebellion, God warns Israel that they will be taken captive and exiled by the Assyrian empire.

AMOS 6

GOD REBUKES THOSE WHO ARE UNBOTHERED BY INJUSTICE

Amos continues God’s message, rebuking the people of Israel and calling out their selfish indulgence. Instead of caring for the poor and the oppressed, they lounge around in lavish arrogance.

God tells Israel that their time of luxury is over and everything will be brought to ruin. God plans to raise an opposing nation, Assyria, against Israel and the complacent and careless will be the first to be exiled.

AMOS 7

AMOS SEES THREE VISIONS FROM GOD 

Amos shares three visions that have been revealed by God, starting with an image of locusts devastating the land. Amos pleads for God to forgive Israel and God relents. In the next vision, Amos sees a fire devouring Israel. Once again, Amos pleads for God to forgive Israel and God relents. Lastly, Amos shares a vision of God using a measuring tool to symbolize Israel’s impending ruin, showing how God will no longer hold back His judgment.

Amaziah, a priest in Bethel, accuses Amos of prophesying Israel’s demise and urges him to leave. Amos replies with the truth, explaining that he is simply a shepherd and fig farmer called by God to share this message of warning with Israel. Because Amaziah rejects Amos’ message, God declares his family will face tragedy, and Israel will be exiled.

AMOS 8

MOURNING + HOPE CAN COEXIST 

Sharing another vision, Amos sees a bowl of ripe fruit. This image signifies Israel’s ripeness, how they are past their prime and rotting. God uses this image to express that the joyful songs of the temple will soon become bitter wailing.

God declares the impending end of Israel and warns that the Day of the Lord will bring darkness, mourning, and judgment upon Israel. Hundreds of years later, during the festival of Passover, Jesus will be crucified, and darkness will cover the sky (see Matthew 27:45).

God compares the mourning to the loss of an only son. This statement reflects upon the Passover and points to the future sacrifice of Jesus. There will be a famine in the land, not one of food or water, but one where they will not hear from God for four hundred years, the time that takes place between the Old and New Testament. This chapter points to God’s own sacrifice, darkness, and mourning on behalf of Israel.

AMOS 9

ULTIMATE RESTORATION AFTER JUDGMENT 

Amos has a vision of God standing beside an altar, proclaiming that none will escape His wrath. God draws attention to His authority over the entire earth, referencing His power over creation.

Although God will destroy Israel, along with other wicked nations, He will not wipe out the entirety of Jacob’s lineage. Through the line of David, God will preserve the Israelite people, repair the house of Israel, and make them a strong nation once again. After Israel is restored, they will be fruitful and abundant. Once reestablished, Israel will never be uprooted again.

Amos concludes with a glimmer of hope—God will bring great justice, but even greater restoration.