Amos is a prophetic book confronting the northern kingdom of Israel for its injustice, hypocrisy, and moral corruption. Though Israel enjoyed economic prosperity, the nation neglected God’s law, oppressed the poor, and embraced empty religious rituals. Amos delivers strong warnings of coming judgment while also offering a final promise of restoration for God’s people.
Background
Author: Amos
Audience: Northern kingdom of Israel
Date: Around 760–750 BC
Location Written: From Judah but delivered in Israel
Context: Amos was a shepherd and farmer from Judah whom God called to prophesy against Israel during a time of national wealth and spiritual decay. The people trusted in their prosperity and religious activity, yet their society was marked by oppression, dishonesty, immorality, and idolatry. Through Amos, God announces judgment on surrounding nations and then on Israel for its greater guilt and covenant unfaithfulness.
Characters
- Amos — shepherd prophet delivering God’s warnings to Israel
- God — righteous judge confronting injustice and calling for repentance
- Israel — wealthy but corrupt nation ignoring God’s commands
- Priest Amaziah — religious leader opposing Amos and rejecting his message
- Surrounding Nations — neighbors judged for violence and cruelty
Major Events
- God announces judgment on surrounding nations and then on Israel (Chapters 1–2)
- Condemnation of Israel’s oppression, immorality, and false religion (Chapters 3–6)
- Visions of judgment including locusts, fire, and a plumb line (Chapter 7)
- Conflict between Amos and Amaziah the priest (Chapter 7)
- Visions of a basket of ripe fruit and the destruction of Israel (Chapter 8)
- Vision of the Lord standing by the altar announcing judgment (Chapter 9)
- Promise of restoration and the rebuilding of David’s fallen tent (Chapter 9)
Application & Life Lessons
- God cares deeply about justice, righteousness, and compassion
- Religious activity is empty without obedience and integrity
- Prosperity can blind people to spiritual corruption
- God holds His people accountable for how they treat others
- True worship must align with a transformed life
- God’s warnings are opportunities for repentance
- Judgment is real, but God also promises restoration for the faithful
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of Amos
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of Joel, Amos, & Obadiah
Podcasts
- Related Podcasts Coming Soon
Articles
- Related Articles Coming Soon
Bible Reading Plans
- Related Bible Reading Plans Coming Soon
Books
This section may contain affiliate links
- Related Books Coming Soon
Related Blog Posts
Related Blog Posts Coming Soon
Disclosures & Notices
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.