THE BOOK OF AMOS
Introduction:
“Amos, a Jew, but prophesying (B.C. 776-763) in the northern kingdom (Amos 1:1 7:14-15) exercised his ministry during the reign of Jeroboam II, an able but idolatrous king who brought his kingdom to the zenith of its power. Nothing could seem more improbable than the fulfillment of Amos’ warnings; yet within fifty years the kingdom was utterly destroyed.
The vision of Amos is, however, wider than the northern kingdom, including the whole ‘house of Jacob.’” — Scofield.
Though belonging to Judah, he was commissioned by God to exercise his prophetical function in Israel; as the latter kingdom abounded in impostors, and the prophets of God generally fled to Judah through fear of the kings of Israel, a true prophet from Judah was the more needed in it. – Jamison, Fausset, Brown Commentary.
The Writer:
1) His name means “Burden,” or “burden-bearer.”
2) A citizen of Tekoa, in the tribe of Judah.
fruit” = a tree, Ficus sycomorus, of the Near East, related to the common fig, bearing an edible fruit.
4) His call, Amos 7:15.
5) The attempt to silence him, Amos 7:10-13; the chief priest of the royal sanctuary to the calves at Beth-el said to Amos, “… prophesy not again any more at Bethel:”
Illustrations:
1) The straining of God’s mercy by sinners compared to the overloading of a wagon, Amos 2:13.
2) The pressure of duty upon the prophet compared to the roaring of a lion in his ears, Amos 3:8.
3) The narrow escape of a remnant of Israel compared to a shepherd recovering two legs or the piece of an ear from a lion, Amos 3:12.
4) The famine of hearing the words of the LORD compared to a famine in the natural world, Amos 8:11-12, &c., &c.
Amos, as a prophet, was in many respects like Christ.
1) In his occupation, a working man, Amos 7:14.
2) In his humility, —acknowledged his lowly origin, Amos 7:15.
3) In his method of teaching by illustrations.
4) In his claim of Divine Inspiration, “Thus said the Lord,” occurs forty (40) times in his prophecy.
5) In being charged with treason, Amos 7:10; John 19:12.
6) In the pressure of duty which was upon him, Amos 3:8; John 9:4.
7) In denouncing the selfishness of the rich, Amos 6:4-6; Luke 12:15-21.
A Brief Summary of the Book:
1) Impending judgments on surrounding nations, Amos 1:3-15; 2:1-3.
2) Threatening discourses:
a. Against Judah, Amos 2:4,5.
b. Against Israel, Amos 2:6-16.
3) The call to Israel to seek God in sincerity, Amos 5.
4) Luxurious living condemned, Amos 6:4-14.
5) A series of five visions:
a. The grasshoppers or locusts eating up the later grass of the land, which are stopped at the intercession of the prophet, Amos 7:1-3.
b. A Vision of the Fire whose devouring flames are made to cease by the intercession of the prophet, Amos 7:4-5.
c. A Vision of the Plumb line, signifying the utter destruction of the people of Israel, according to the righteous judgment of God, Amos 7:7-9.
d. A Vision of a Basket of summer fruit, signifying the destruction of the ten tribes, for which they were ripe, and which would quickly come upon them, Amos 8:1-3.
e. A Vision of a Smitten Sanctuary represents the certain desolation of the land, city, and temple, and the slaughter of all sorts of persons, high and low, none should escape it, Amos 9:1-10.
6) The visions interrupted by an attempt to intimidate the prophet, Amos 7:10-13.
7) The prediction of the dispersion and restoration of Israel, Amos 9:8-15.
a. Though the sinful kingdom should be destroyed, yet not utterly, a remnant should be saved, Amos 9:8-10.
b. The chapter is concluded with gracious promises of raising up the tabernacle of David fallen down, Amos 9:11-15.
1. Of the return of the people of Israel to their own land.
2. Of their settlement and continuance in it, never more to depart from it.