1:1-2:16 JUDGMENTS ON VARIOUS NATIONS It seems that Amos announced most, if not all, of his message in Bethel, an important religious and commercial centre near Israel’s southern border (see 7:10). He gained the attention of his audience by first announcing...
Judgment on Israel (2:6-16) Israel is corrupt, socially, morally and religiously. Judges and officials favour those who bribe them, with the result that the poor and the innocent receive unjust treatment. The rich lend to the poor, then take them as...
3:1-6:14 REASONS FOR ISRAEL’S PUNISHMENT The prophet’s responsibility (3:1-8) Many Israelites thought that because they were God’s people, they could do as they liked without fear of punishment. On the contrary, says Amos, God’s choice of them to be his people...
Religion without God (4:4-13) In words of cutting irony, Amos calls the people to the places of worship, encouraging them to continue their zealous but unspiritual religious exercises. The more they do so, the more they will increase their sin. They...
God requires repentance (5:1-15) The prophet again recalls past warnings that the people had consistently ignored. He sees vividly that the result of the people’s stubbornness will be the destruction of Israel. Samaria will be conquered and most of Israel’s army...