LESSON 31 THE BOOK OF AMOS

 

This book announces to Israel the coming judgment due to their sins of empty ritualism, oppression of the poor, idolatry, deceit, self-righteousness, greed and materialism.  The people have repeatedly broken every aspect of the covenant relationship with God.  Nevertheless, God's mercy and love are evident in His offer of deliverance if the people will only turn back to Him.

 

THE AUTHOR

The name Amos is derived from the Hebrew root "amas" meaning  "to lift a burden, to carry".  Grit may be the best term to describe Amos.  He stood for God during a time of apostasy and when speaking the truth of God was not well received.  The former occupation of Amos shines through in the illustrations that he uses.  Amos was a herdsmen/farmer turned prophet.  (1:1 & 7:14)

 

SURVEY OF AMOS

Judgments - Prophecy form     Chapters  1   -   2

Judgments - Sermon form       Chapters  3   -   6

Judgments - Vision form          Chapters  7   -   9

 

EIGHT PROPHECIES OF JUDGMENT

Amos starts with the surrounding nations Syria, Philistia, Tyrus, Edom, Ammon, Moab, Judah and ends with Israel.

 

Each begin with the statement; "For three transgressions of........and for four."  The four is equivalent to the last straw.

 

THREE SERMONS OF JUDGMENT

Since Amos was sent by God to the Northern Kingdom, all three sermons are to Israel.  The three sermons address the present, past and future.

3:3_________________________________________________________

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4:12________________________________________________________

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FIVE VISIONS OF JUDGMENT

The first two locusts and fire do not come to pass because of Amos' intercession.

 

The third vision is the plumbline followed by the only narrative section of the book.  (7:10-17)

 

The last two visions are the summer fruit and the smitten lintels of the door. 

8:11-12________________________________________________

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The last five verses of Amos close with a remaining hope and confidence in the promise of God.  This refers to the coming of Christ and the restoring of His people.

 

QUESTIONS:

 

1.         How would you describe the character of Amos?

 

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2.         What are the main divisions of this book?

 

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3.         What words and symbols are used to describe God's judgment?

 

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