Amos: An Introduction

Writer
Amos (meaning to bear or burden-bearer) was reared in Tekoa, a small town in the hill country of Judah, six miles south of Bethlehem and 18 miles from the Dead Sea. He was a shepherd or possibly a sheep breeder and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. He was a rugged, out-of-doors type of man, quite different from the society of Israel to whom he ministered. He was not schooled as a prophet but called from secular employment to bring a divine message (7:14-15). Unlike Hosea, A,os presented a straightforward message of justice to the political and spiritual leadership of Israel.

Recipients
Though Amos directed his prophecy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, he also had a message for the Southern Kingdom of Judah and the surrounding nations.

Background
In the eighth century, King Uzziah (790-740 B.C.) in Judah and King Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.) in Israel expanded their borders, took control of the trade routes surrounding their countries, and became very prosperous.  An upper class emerged (3:11-13), built expensive homes (3:15; 5:11; 6:4; 11), enjoyed a carnal lifestyle (6:1-4), and exploited the poor (2:6-7; 5:7, 10-13; 6:12; 8:4-6).  Political corruption ruled the day as the leaders oppressed the people and committed violence and robbery (3:9-10).  Religious fervor was high, but it lacked a true devotion to God. Merchants did observe the Sabbath, new moon, and feast days, but were dishonest and chafed under closing their businesses for religious days (8:4-6).

Date
Amos prophesied during the reign of Uzziah (790-740 B.C.) and Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.), two years before the great earthquake *1:1; cp. Zech 14:5). Though it cannot be documented, Josephus placed the earthquake during the time Uzziah sinned against God by offering incense in the Temple (2 Chr. 26:16-23), which would have been around 760 B.C.

Theme
Judgment will come on Israel, Judah, and the nations if they refuse to turn from their sin.

Key Words
Transgression (12 times); I will not turn away its punishment (8 times).

Key Verses
4:11-12

Outline of Amos

1. Prologue (1:1-2)
   1. Time of Prophecy (1:1)
   2. Theme of Prophecy (1:2)
2. People Judged (1:3-2:16)
   1. Sledges of Torture—Damascus (1:3-5)
   2. Slave Trafficking—Gaza (1:6-8)
   3. Severing Treaty—Tyre (1:9-10)
   4. Sword of Terror—Edom (1:11-12)
   5. Sadistic Triumphant—Ammon (1:13-15)
   6. Spoiling Tombs—Moab (2:1-3)
   7. Spurning the Torah—Judah (2:4-5)
   8. Social Transgressions—Israel (2:6-16)
3. Purpose of the Judgment (3:1-6:14)
   1. Ruined Relationship—First Message (3:1-15)
   2. Refusal to Repent—Second Message (4:1-13)
   3. Repentance Requested—Third Message (5:1-17)
   4. Ritual Reviewed—Fourth Message (5:18-27)
   5. Rich at Rest—Fifth Message (6:1-14)
4. Pictures of Judgment (7:1-9:10)
   1. Judgment Diverted—Vision of Locusts (7:1-3)
   2. Judgment Delayed—Vision of Fire (7:4-6)
   3. Judgment Determined—Vision of Plumb Line (7:7-9)
   4. Judgmental Dialog—Voice of the Priest (7:10-13)
   5. Judgment Described—Voice of the Prophet (7:14-17)
   6. Judgment Declared—Vision of Summer Fruit (8:1-14)
   7. Judgment Day—Vision of Lord on Altar (9:1-10)
5. Prosperity After Judgment (9:11-15)
   1. Possession of Israel (9:11-15)
   2. Productivity in Israel (9:13-14)
   3. Permanent Promise to Israel (9:15)