Amos Bible Study
AmosBy Gary A. Bojo Sr
Outline
I. Amos Proclaims God's Judgment (1:1-2:16)
A. Judgment on Israel's Neighbors (1:1-2:5)
B. Judgment on Israel (2:6-16)
II. God Reasons with His People (3:1-6:14)
A. Witnesses Are Summoned Against Israel (3:1-15)
B. Israel Has Not Returned to God (4:1-13)
C. A Lament Over Israel (5:1-27)
D. Woe to the Complacent (6:1-7)
E. The Lord Abhors the Pride of Israel (6:8-14)
III. Israel Will Be Punished, Then Restored (7:1-9:15)
A. Locusts, Fire and a Plumb Line (7:1-17)
B. A Basket of Ripe Fruit (8:1-14)
C. Israel is to be Destroyed (9:1-10)
D. Israel's Restoration (9:11-15)
Introduction and Background of Amos
The prophet Amos lived during the reigns of Uzziah of Judah and Jeroboam II of Israel (1:1). He was by profession a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees (figs) (1:1; 7:14). Amos's role in his society is a subject of some debate. He has been characterized as a simple man from the lower levels of society, and as a wealthy and influential landowner. But whatever his place in society, God told him to go and prophesy, and he had to obey the command (7:14). Amos was commissioned from his hometown of Tekoa in Judah, which was located about 6 miles south of Bethlehem. He was told to cross the border into Israel to proclaim a message of judgment for the nation if she did not return to the true worship of Yahweh and abide by his covenant. We know that Amos proclaimed at least some of his messages in Bethel (7:10), the national shrine of Israel that had been established by Jeroboam I (1 Kings 13:28-33). Amos was not of the professional class of prophets known as the sons of the prophets (7:14), but his message obviously upset the priest and Jereboam, who were told what Amos had said (7:10, 11).
The heading of the book provides the information we need to date it. Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam. Most scholars narrow it down to a period between 760 and 750 B.C., and a date toward the end of the decade is favored by a majority. This was a period of great prosperity for both the northern and southern kingdoms. There is much evidence of this prosperity in the text (6:1-6), but with this came corruption (8:5), injustice toward the poor (2:6, 8; 4:1), drunkenness (4:1; 6:6), and religious apostasy (4:4). Amos has been called the champion of the poor and oppressed. In this we see him directing people back to the law that they had rejected (2:4). The law often speaks out to protect the orphan, the widow, the sojourner, and the needy in general (Exod. 23:9; Lev. 19:9, 10, 13-16; Deut. 10:18-21; 14:28, 29). Prosperity was thought to be a fruit of faithful observance of the law, and the people were prosperous at that time. It must have been difficult for Amos to proclaim that the people were guilty according to the law, and that God was about to bring destruction to the nation.
The book of Amos is made up of a number of smaller messages and a series of visions. The first two chapters are made up of utterances against the nations, including prophecies against neighboring peoples (1:3-2:3), and prophecies against Judah and Israel (2:4-16). Chapters 3-6 continue the proclamation of judgment against Israel. From the beginnings of the apostasy of Israel in Jeroboam's time, God had announced through his prophets that the Bethel sanctuary would be destroyed (1 Kings 14:1ff.). So it is no surprise that much of Amos's message is directed against the false syncretistic worship at the Bethel shrine (3:14; 4:4, 5; 5:4-6; 7:10-13). Next, God illustrates the coming destruction by five visions of judgment (7:1-9:10), and then concludes the book with a promise of restoration and blessing (9:11-15).
Amos 1:1-2:16 - Announcement of Judgment OPEN IT1. What line of work would you like to be doing three years from now?
2. If you had the opportunity to work in the criminal justice system, in what position would you be most effective? EXPLORE IT
Amos Chapter 1: GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services, ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment. Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!
Amos 1:1 The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. 3. When did Amos, the shepherd, reveal his visions? (1:1)
Amos 1:2 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither. 4. What was the theme of Amos's message? (1:2)
Amos 1:3 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron: Amos 1:4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Benhadad. Amos 1:5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD. 5. What was the pronouncement of doom against Damascus? (1:3-5)
Amos 1:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom: Amos 1:7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof: Amos 1:8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD. 6. What would become of the Philistines because of their enslavement of entire communities? (1:6-8)
Amos 1:9 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant: Amos 1:10 But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof. 7. How would Tyre be punished for her sins? (1:9-10)
Amos 1:11 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: Amos 1:12 But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah. 8. What was the judgment against Edom? (1:11-12)
Amos 1:13 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border: Amos 1:14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind: Amos 1:15 And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the LORD. 9. How would God deal with the terrible cruelty of Ammon? (1:13-15)
Amos Chapter 2 Verses 1-8: The evil passions of the heart break out in various forms; but the Lord looks to our motives, as well as our conduct. Those that deal cruelly, shall be cruelly dealt with. Other nations were reckoned with for injuries done to men; Judah is reckoned with for dishonour done to God. Judah despised the law of the Lord; and he justly gave them up to strong delusion; nor was it any excuse for their sin, that they were the lies, the idols, after which their fathers walked. The worst abominations and most grievous oppressions have been committed by some of the professed worshippers of the Lord. Such conduct leads many to unbelief and vile idolatry.
Amos 2:1 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime: Amos 2:2 But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Kirioth: and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet: Amos 2:3 And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD. 10. How would God deal with Moab? (2:1-3)
Amos 2:4 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked:Amos 2:5 But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem. 11. What was the ruling against Judah? (2:4-5)
Amos 2:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; Amos 2:7 That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name: Amos 2:8 And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god. 12. How had Israel sinned? (2:6-8)
Amos Chapter 2 Verses 9-16: We need often to be reminded of the mercies we have received; which add much to the evil of the sins we have committed. They had helps for their souls, which taught them how to make good use of their earthly enjoyments, and were therefore more valuable. Faithful ministers are great blessings to any people; but it is God that raises them up to be so. Sinners' own consciences will witness that he has not been wanting to them in the means of grace. They did what they could to lead believers aside. Satan and his agents are busy to corrupt the minds of young people who look heavenward; they overcome many by drawing them to the love of mirth and pleasure, and into drinking company. Multitudes of young men who bade fair as professors of religion, have erred through strong drink, and have been undone for ever. The Lord complains of sin, especially the sins of his professing people, as a burden to him. And though his long-suffering be tired, his power is not, and so the sinner will find to his cost. When men reject God's word, adding obstinacy to sin, and this becomes the general character of a people, they will be given up to misery, notwithstanding all their boasted power and resources. May we then humble ourselves before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness.
Amos 2:9 Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath. Amos 2:10 Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. Amos 2:11 And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD. Amos 2:12 But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not. 13. How had God dealt with His people in the past? (2:9-12)
Amos 2:13 Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves. Amos 2:14 Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver himself: Amos 2:15 Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself. Amos 2:16 And he that is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day, saith the LORD. 14. Who would be affected by God's severe punishment? (2:13-16)
15. How would God deal with Israel's sins? (2:6-16) GET IT
16. What advantage was there in God choosing Amos, a shepherd and a farmer, to deliver such a harsh prophetic message to His people? 17. How do you think Amos felt about presenting God's message to the northern kingdom of Israel? 18. When have you felt unqualified for ministry that you have been called to do? 19. If you were to speak out against social injustice, what would compel people to listen to you? 20. How might a wealthy Christian church today compare with affluent Israel in Amos's day? 21. What types of social and religious corruption do you see in Christian circles? 22. How has the church grown hard and callous in their dealings with others? 23. What level of responsibility do you feel toward the homeless and needy? 24. In what ways do we turn a deaf ear to God's Word? APPLY IT
25. Starting today, what practical steps can you take toward letting the Holy Spirit soften your heart toward the Lord and bring renewal to your spiritual life? 26. How can you help a child or an adult this week caught in an unfortunate set of circumstances? Amos 3:1-6:14 - Reasons for Judgment OPEN IT
1. What one family relationship would you consider very unique and rewarding? 2. If suddenly you inherited a lot of money, what would you do with it? 3. When do you feel most content and secure? EXPLORE IT
Amos Chapter 3 Verses 1-8: The distinguishing favours of God to us, if they do not restrain from sin, shall not exempt from punishment. They could not expect communion with God, unless they first sought peace with him. Where there is not friendship, there can be no fellowship. God and man cannot walk together, except they are agreed. Unless we seek his glory, we cannot walk with him. Let us not presume on outward privileges, without special, sanctifying grace. The threatenings of the word and providence of God against the sin of man are certain, and certainly show that the judgments of God are at hand. Nor will God remove the affliction he has sent, till it has done its work. The evil of sin is from ourselves, it is our own doing; but the evil of trouble is from God, and is his doing, whoever are the instruments. This should engage us patiently to bear public troubles, and to study to answer God's meaning in them. The whole of the passage shows that natural evil, or troubles, and not moral evil, or sin, is here meant. The warning given to a careless world will increase its condemnation another day. Oh the amazing stupidity of an unbelieving world, that will not be wrought upon by the terrors of the Lord, and that despise his mercies!
Amos 3:1 Hear this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, Amos 3:2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. 4. Why did God speak out against Israel? (3:1-2)
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? Amos 3:5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? Amos 3:6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy? 5. Why was Israel's punishment inevitable? (3:3-8)
Amos Chapter 3 Verses 9-15: That power which is an instrument of unrighteousness, will justly be brought down and broken. What is got and kept wrongfully, will not be kept long. Some are at ease, but there will come a day of visitation, and in that day, all they are proud of, and put confidence in, shall fail them. God will inquire into the sins of which they have been guilty in their houses, the robbery they have stored up, and the luxury in which they lived. The pomp and pleasantness of men's houses, do not fortify against God's judgments, but make sufferings the more grievous and vexatious. Yet a remnant, according to the election of grace, will be secured by our great and good Shepherd, as from the jaws of destruction, in the worst times.
Amos 3:9 Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof. Amos 3:10 For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces. 6. What were the injustices of Israel? (3:9-10)
Amos 3:11 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled. Amos 3:12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch. Amos 3:13 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, Amos 3:14 That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Bethel: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground. Amos 3:15 And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD. 7. What catastrophes did Amos unfold? (3:11-15)
Amos Chapter 4 Verses 1-5: What is got by extortion is commonly used to provide for the flesh, and to fulfil the lusts thereof. What is got by oppression cannot be enjoyed with satisfaction. How miserable are those whose confidence in unscriptural observances only prove that they believe a lie! Let us see to it that our faith, hope, and worship, are warranted by the Divine word.
Amos 4:1 Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink. Amos 4:2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks. Amos 4:3 And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the LORD. 8. Why did Amos speak against Samaria's upper-class women? (4:1-3)
Amos 4:4 Come to Bethel, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: Amos 4:5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord GOD. 9. How were the Israelites guilty of religious hypocrisy? (4:4-5)
Amos Chapter 4 Verses 6-13: See the folly of carnal hearts; they wander from one creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and labour for that which satisfies not; yet, after all, they will not incline their ear to Him in whom they might find all they can want. Preaching the gospel is as rain, and every thing withers where this rain is wanting. It were well if people were as wise for their souls as they are for their bodies; and, when they have not this rain near, would go and seek it where it is to be had. As the Israelites persisted in rebellion and idolatry, the Lord was coming against them as an adversary. Ere long, we must meet our God in judgment; but we shall not be able to stand before him, if he tries us according to our doings. If we would prepare to meet our God with comfort, at the awful period of his coming, we must now meet him in Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of the Father, who came to save lost sinners. We must seek him while he is to be found.
Amos 4:6 And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Amos 4:7 And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered. Amos 4:8 So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Amos 4:9 I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Amos 4:10 I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Amos 4:11 I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD. Amos 4:12 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. Amos 4:13 For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name. 10. What was Israel's persistent attitude toward God? (4:6-13)
Amos 5:1 Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel. Amos 5:2 The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up. Amos 5:3 For thus saith the Lord GOD; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel. Amos 5:16 Therefore the LORD, the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing. Amos 5:17 And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the LORD. Amos 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. Amos 5:19 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Amos 5:20 Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it? Amos 5:27 Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the LORD, whose name is The God of hosts. 11. What lament did Amos summon the people to hear? (5:1-3, 16-20, 27)
Amos 5:4 For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: Amos 5:5 But seek not Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nought. Amos 5:6 Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel. Amos 5:14 Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. Amos 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. Amos 5:23 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols. Amos 5:24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. 12. How was repentance possible? (5:4-6, 14-15, 23-24)
Amos Chapter 5 Verses 7-17: The same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy, and as easily turn the prosperity of daring sinners into utter darkness. Evil times will not bear plain dealing; that is, evil men will not. And these men were evil men indeed, when wise and good men thought it in vain even to speak to them. Those who will seek and love that which is good, may help to save the land from ruin. It behoves us to plead God's spiritual promises, to beseech him to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within us. The Lord is ever ready to be gracious to the souls that seek him; and then piety and every duty will be attended to. But as for sinful Israel, God's judgments had often passed by them, now they shall pass through them.
Amos 5:7 Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth, Amos 5:10 They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly. Amos 5:11 Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them. Amos 5:12 For I know your manifold transgressions, and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. Amos 5:13 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. Amos 5:21 I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. Amos 5:22 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts. Amos 5:25 Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? Amos 5:26 But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. 13. What were the Israelites accused of? (5:7, 10-13, 21-22, 25-26)
Amos Chapter 5 Verses 18-27: Woe unto those that desire the day of the Lord's judgments, that wish for times of war and confusion; as some who long for changes, hoping to rise upon the ruins of their country! but this should be so great a desolation, that nobody could gain by it. The day of the Lord will be a dark, dismal, gloomy day to all impenitent sinners. When God makes a day dark, all the world cannot make it light. Those who are not reformed by the judgments of God, will be pursued by them; if they escape one, another stands ready to seize them. A pretence of piety is double iniquity, and so it will be found. The people of Israel copied the crimes of their forefathers. The law of worshipping the Lord our God, is, Him only we must serve. Professors thrive so little, because they have little or no communion with God in their duties. They were led captive by Satan into idolatry, therefore God caused them to go into captivity among idolaters.
Amos 5:8 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name: Amos 5:9 That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress. 14. What was Amos's portrayal of God? (5:8-9)
Amos Chapter 6 Verses 1-7: Those are looked upon as doing well for themselves, who do well for their bodies; but we are here told what their ease is, and what their woe is. Here is a description of the pride, security, and sensuality, for which God would reckon. Careless sinners are every where in danger; but those at ease in Zion, who are stupid, vainly confident, and abusing their privileges, are in the greatest danger. Yet many fancy themselves the people of God, who are living in sin, and in conformity to the world. But the examples of others' ruin forbid us to be secure. Those who are set upon their pleasures are commonly careless of the troubles of others, but this is great offence to God. Those who placed their happiness in the pleasures of sense, and set their hearts upon them, shall be deprived of those pleasures. Those who try to put the evil day far from them, find it nearest to them.
Amos 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! Amos 6:2 Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border? Amos 6:3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; Amos 6:4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; Amos 6:6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. Amos 6:7 Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed. 15. What did Amos say to those who enjoyed affluence and comfortable living? (6:1-7)
Amos Chapter 6 Verses 8-14: How dreadful, how miserable, is the case of those whose eternal ruin the Lord himself has sworn; for he can execute his purpose, and none can alter it! Those hearts are wretchedly hardened that will not be brought to mention God's name, and to worship him, when the hand of God is gone out against them, when sickness and death are in their families. Those that will not be tilled as fields, shall be abandoned as rocks. When our services of God are soured with sin, his providences will justly be made bitter to us. Men should take warning not to harden their hearts, for those who walk in pride, God will destroy.
Amos 6:8 The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein. Amos 6:9 And it shall come to pass, if there remain ten men in one house, that they shall die. Amos 6:10 And a man's uncle shall take him up, and he that burneth him, to bring out the bones out of the house, and shall say unto him that is by the sides of the house, Is there yet any with thee? and he shall say, No. Then shall he say, Hold thy tongue: for we may not make mention of the name of the LORD. Amos 6:11 For, behold, the LORD commandeth, and he will smite the great house with breaches, and the little house with clefts. Amos 6:12 Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock: Amos 6:13 Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, Have we not taken to us horns by our own strength? Amos 6:14 But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness. 16. How did Amos describe the complete devastation of Israel? (6:8-14) GET IT
17. How do family members help make you feel exceptional? 18. If your behavior were troubling to others, which family member would do the best job of discussing it with you? 19. In what ways do you think you need to be less attached to money, things, material comforts, and status? 20. What is the prevailing attitude in your church toward money, possessions, and status? 21. How does your church treat the poor and needy? 22. If Amos visited your congregation, what examples of religious hypocrisy might he point out? 23. Why, like Israel, does the church today need to seek the Lord? 24. What is wrong with being a complacent Christian? 25. How might your sense of security and well-being be off base? 26. In what ways should we fear the Lord's judgment? APPLY IT
27. What is one step you can take to become a more obedient, humble, and dependent child of God? 28. How can you share some of your resources with those who are needy or oppressed? Amos 7:1-9:15 - Visions of Judgment OPEN IT
1. What interesting experience or anecdote can you tell about one or more of the following: insects, fire, a plumb line? 2. If you had to tell a friend some bad news, how would you choose to do it? 3. If you were in the business of fixing things, what kinds of things would you be interested in repairing or restoring? EXPLORE IT
Amos Chapter 7 Verses 1-9: God bears long, but he will not bear always with a provoking people. The remembrance of the mercies we formerly received, like the produce of the earth of the former growth, should make us submissive to the will of God, when we meet with disappointments in the latter growth. The Lord has many ways of humbling a sinful nation. Whatever trouble we are under, we should be most earnest with God for the forgiveness of sin. Sin will soon make a great people small. What will become of Israel, if the hand that should raise him be stretched out against him? See the power of prayer. See what a blessing praying people are to a land. See how ready, how swift God is to show mercy; how he waits to be gracious. Israel was a wall, a strong wall, which God himself reared as a defence to his sanctuary. The Lord now seems to stand upon this wall. He measures it; it appears to be a bowing, bulging wall. Thus God would bring the people of Israel to the trial, would discover their wickedness; and the time will come, when those who have been spared often, shall be spared no longer. But the Lord still calls Israel his people. The repeated prayer and success of the prophet should lead us to seek the Saviour.
Amos 7:1 Thus hath the Lord GOD showed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king's mowings. Amos 7:2 And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord GOD, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. Amos 7:3 The LORD repented for this: It shall not be, saith the LORD. Amos 7:4 Thus hath the Lord GOD showed unto me: and, behold, the Lord GOD called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part. Amos 7:5 Then said I, O Lord GOD, cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small. Amos 7:6 The LORD repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord GOD. Amos 7:7 Thus he showed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand. Amos 7:8 And the LORD said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more: Amos 7:9 And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword. 4. What three visions did the Lord reveal to Amos? (7:1-9) 5. What were the meanings of the visions to Amos? (7:1-9) 6. Why did Amos appeal to the Lord? (7:1-9)
Amos Chapter 7 Verses 10-17: It is no new thing for the accusers of the brethren, to misrepresent them as enemies to the king and kingdom, as traitors to their prince, and troublers of the land, when they are the best friends to both. Those who make gain their godliness, and are governed by the hopes of wealth and preferment, are ready to think these the most powerful motives with others also. But those who have a warrant from God, like Amos, ought not to fear the face of man. If God, that sent him, had not strengthened him, he could not thus have set his face as a flint. The Lord often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise and mighty. But no fervent prayers, or self-denying labours, can bring proud sinners to bear faithful reproofs and warnings. And all who oppose or despise the Divine word, must expect fatal effects to their souls, unless they repent.
Amos 7:10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words. Amos 7:11 For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land. Amos 7:12 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer, go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there: Amos 7:13 But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court. 7. How did Amaziah oppose Amos? (7:10-13)
Amos 7:14 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit: Amos 7:15 And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel. 8. How did Amos defend his call to prophesy? (7:14-15)
Amos 7:16 Now therefore hear thou the word of the LORD: Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac. Amos 7:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land. 9. What word did the Lord have for the priest? (7:16-17)
Amos Chapter 8 Verses 1-3: Amos saw a basket of summer fruit gathered, and ready to be eaten; which signified, that the people were ripe for destruction, that the year of God's patience was drawing towards a conclusion. Such summer fruits will not keep till winter, but must be used at once. Yet these judgments shall not draw from them any acknowledgement, either of God's righteousness or their own unrighteousness. Sinners put off repentance from day to day, because they think the Lord thus delays his judgments.
Amos 8:1 Thus hath the Lord GOD showed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. Amos 8:2 And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the LORD unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more. Amos 8:3 And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord GOD: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. 10. What was the horror of Amos's fourth vision? (8:1-3)
Amos Chapter 8 Verses 4-10: The rich and powerful of the land were the most guilty of oppression, as well as the foremost in idolatry. They were weary of the restraints of the sabbaths and the new moons, and wished them over, because no common work might be done therein. This is the character of many who are called Christians. The sabbath day and sabbath work are a burden to carnal hearts. It will either be profaned or be accounted a dull day. But can we spend our time better than in communion with God? When employed in religious services, they were thinking of marketings. They were weary of holy duties, because their worldly business stood still the while. Those are strangers to God, and enemies to themselves, who love market days better than sabbath days, who would rather be selling corn than worshipping God. They have no regard to man: those who have lost the savour of piety, will not long keep the sense of common honesty. They cheat those they deal with. They take advantage of their neighbour's ignorance or necessity, in a traffic which nearly concerns the labouring poor. Could we witness the fraud and covetousness, which, in such numerous forms, render trading an abomination to the Lord, we should not wonder to see many dealers backward in the service of God. But he who thus despises the poor, reproaches his Maker; as it regards Him, rich and poor meet together. Riches that are got by the ruin of the poor, will bring ruin on those that get them. God will remember their sin against them. This speaks the case of such unjust, unmerciful men, to be miserable indeed, miserable for ever. There shall be terror and desolation every where. It shall come upon them when they little think of it. Thus uncertain are all our creature-comforts and enjoyments, even life itself; in the midst of life we are in death. What will be the wailing in the bitter day which follows sinful and sensual pleasures!
Amos 8:4 Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, Amos 8:5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? Amos 8:6 That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat? Amos 8:7 The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works. Amos 8:8 Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as by the flood of Egypt. Amos 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: Amos 8:10 And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day. 11. Why would there be unprecedented mourning in the land? (8:4-10)
Amos Chapter 8 Verses 11-14: Here was a token of God's highest displeasure. At any time, and most in a time of trouble, a famine of the word of God is the heaviest judgment. To many this is no affliction, yet some will feel it very much, and will travel far to hear a good sermon; they feel the loss of the mercies others foolishly sin away. But when God visits a backsliding church, their own plans and endeavours to find out a way of salvation, will stand them in no stead. And the most amiable and zealous would perish, for want of the water of life, which Christ only can bestow. Let us value our advantages, seek to profit by them, and fear sinning them away.
Amos 8:11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: Amos 8:12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. Amos 8:13 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. Amos 8:14 They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan, liveth; and, The manner of Beersheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again. 12. What would characterize God's silence toward Israel? (8:11-14)
Amos Chapter 9 Verses 1-10: The prophet, in vision, saw the Lord standing upon the idolatrous altar at Bethel. Wherever sinners flee from God's justice, it will overtake them. Those whom God brings to heaven by his grace, shall never be cast down; but those who seek to climb thither by vain confidence in themselves, will be cast down and filled with shame. That which makes escape impossible and ruin sure, is, that God will set his eyes upon them for evil, not for good. Wretched must those be on whom the Lord looks for evil, and not for good. The Lord would scatter the Jews, and visit them with calamities, as the corn is shaken in a sieve; but he would save some from among them. The astonishing preservation of the Jews as a distinct people, seems here foretold. If professors make themselves like the world, God will level them with the world. The sinners who thus flatter themselves, shall find that their profession will not protect them.
Amos 9:1 I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said, Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered. Amos 9:2 Though they dig into hell, thence shall mine hand take them; though they climb up to heaven, thence will I bring them down: Amos 9:3 And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them: Amos 9:4 And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good. Amos 9:5 And the Lord GOD of hosts is he that toucheth the land, and it shall melt, and all that dwell therein shall mourn: and it shall rise up wholly like a flood; and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt. Amos 9:6 It is he that buildeth his stories in the heaven, and hath founded his troop in the earth; he that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The LORD is his name. Amos 9:7 Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? Amos 9:8 Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD. Amos 9:9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. Amos 9:10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us. 13. What did Amos see in his fifth and final vision? (9:1-10)
Amos Chapter 9 Verses 11-15: Christ died to gather together the children of God that were scattered abroad, here said to be those who were called by his name. The Lord saith this, who doeth this, who can do it, who has determined to do it, the power of whose grace is engaged for doing it. Verses 13-15 may refer to the early times of Christianity, but will receive a more glorious fulfilment in the events which all the prophets more or less foretold, and may be understood of the happy state when the fulness both of the Jews and the Gentiles come into the church. Let us continue earnest in prayer for the fulfilment of these prophecies, in the peace, purity, and the beauty of the church. God marvellously preserves his elect amidst the most fearful confusions and miseries. When all seems desperate, he wonderfully revives his church, and blesses her with all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. And great shall be the glory of that period, in which not one good thing promised shall remain unfulfilled.
Amos 9:11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: Amos 9:12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. Amos 9:13 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. Amos 9:14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. Amos 9:15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. 14. How did Amos describe the restoration after judgment? (9:11-15) GET IT
15. Who, in your view, speaks out for the Lord in our society? 16. From your perspective, which group or nation today needs an extra measure of the Lord's mercy and grace? 17. What does the term "Sovereign Lord" mean? 18. When have you felt that God was giving you the silent treatment? 19. How do you see your church being affected by hearing God's Word? 20. If God judged the church today, what practices, characteristics, or teachings would He get rid of? 21. How can you pray for your community? 22. In what ways does your church need renewal? APPLY IT
23. When can you meet with a group of Christians to pray for forgiveness of sins and an outpouring of God's grace and mercy on your church community? 24. In what areas of your life do you want to ask the Holy Spirit to refresh or restore you? 25. With whom can you pray for a renewal of commitment to God? When?