|
|
The Book of Amos
Amos was a shepherd who prophesied in the region of Tekoa when Israel
was ruled by King Jereboam and Judah was ruled by King
Uzziah.
Amos prophesied about the destruction of Damascus, Tyre, Edom, Moab,
Judah, and Israel, due to the sin of the people in those places for their
sin, despite all that God did for them. He also predicted
drought
and death in Samaria, and he called upon the people of Israel to
repent, and he predicted their exile to a foreign land.
Amos revealed the pride and complacency of the people of
Israel.
In Amos 6:1-8, he cites three national sins: gluttony,
heathen
music, and drunkenness. This should frighten the United
States
today, as we are also resting in our affluence, including our epidemic
of obesity, perverted entertainment, and mind-altering
substances.
Israel would be attacked from the North, and God's wrath would fall
upon them in the form of locusts and fire. Israel would be
tested, found guilty, and condemned.
Amos rebelled against God by refusing to continue prophesying, and God
placed a curse upon him and his family. God compared Israel
to
fruit that was ripe for punishment. Israel would beg God for
mercy, and He would eventually restore Jerusalem and the
Temple.
At that time, the scattered Jews would return to the land of Israel
under a new covenant from God.
|
