Amos

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.