The Book of Amos

When Amos prophesied to the northern kingdom, the nation outwardly appeared to be at the height of its territorial expansion, political peace and national prosperity. However, inwardly the nation was rotten and decaying. Ungodliness filled the lives of the people. Hypocrisy and phony religion were popular.


The book divides naturally into three major sections. Section one: Amos' message tells of the judgment on seven nations that surrounded Israel. Israel could recognize the sins of the other nations, and agreed with God, but they were blind to their own wickedness and rebellion.


Section two: records three bold messages, each beginning with the phrase "Hear this word." In the first one God accuses Israel of forgetting its beginning and the source of all its privileges as His chosen people who were rescued from slavery in Egypt. The second message begins by addressing Israel's wealthy women in Samaria as "you cows of Bashan ..."  The third message lists the sins of Israel that God hated the most, which were caused by their lack of concern, pride and injustice.


The final major section records five prophetic visions about God's approaching judgment.


Five major features characterize the book of Amos. 1. It is primarily a prophetic cry for justice and righteousness based on God's character. While the prophet Hosea was heartbroken and filled with sadness over Israel's unfaithfulness to God, Amos is filled with extreme anger over how the nation was violating God's standards of justice and morality. 2. Amos' prophecy makes it clear enough for all to understand how much God hates religion when it is separated from right behavior and a godly lifestyle. #. The prophet's words challenge and confronted all who heard them. 4. The bold and dynamic style of the book reflects the prophet's strong, unbending loyalty to God an to His standards for His people. 5. It reflects God's willingness and readiness to use common, God-honoring people without formal ministerial credentials or training to deliver His message.


The message of Amos is most clearly seen in Jesus' teaching, as well as in the New Testament book of James. Jesus and James both repeatedly taught the truth of Amos' message that true worship of God does not come from religious rituals, but by "hearing" and "doing" God's will. One of the ways that people give evidence of true devotion to God is through fair, honest and compassionate treatment toward others.