Amos Minor Prophet

Background: Amos wrote his book at a time of relative peace and prosperity He was a Shepard and fig tree farmer Lived between southern Judah and Northern Israel The Book of Amos is a collection of Amos’ sermons, poems and visions over the years while preaching in Bethel

The Book of Amos: Chapters 1&2 Message to the nations and Israel. Series of short poems accusing Israel's neighbours of injustice. Then Amos releases a poetic accusation on Israel 3 times bigger than those against its neighbours.

Chapters 3-6 Collection of Poems which are a message to Israel and its leaders. “ I chose you Israel from among all the families of the earth and this is why I will punish you for all your sin” (Amos 3:2) Israel had a great calling, which came with great responsibility, so when they turned to sin they were met with big consequences. Amos is constantly exposing religious hypocrisy within his Poems. He states “Let Justice flow like a river and Righteousness like an unfailing stream: (5:24) Next theme within Amos’ Poetry is Israel’s repeated idolatry. Final theme in these chapters is Gods punishment, he predicts a powerful nation will come and defeat them

Chapters 7-9 Series of visions that Amos experience, showing Gods coming judgement on Israel. Symbolic depictions of the day of the Lord. He see’s a locust swarm, a scorching fire and the people being swallowed up like overripe fruit. In his final vision Amos see’s God strike the pillar of Israel's idol temple. In the final paragraph there hope: God says he will restore the house of David out of the ruins

Themes: This book explores the relationship between God’s justice and mercy. If God is good he has to judge and confront evil in Israel and the nations, his long-term purposes are for restoration a and a new family.