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Day 9 : Book of Amos [ Amos 1-2 ] |
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Introduction
- Amos, whose name meant “burden-bearer”, was from the southern kingdom,
from the city of Tekoa.
- Before his commission to prophesy, he was both a shepherd and a sycamorefig
tree keeper(7:14).
- His prophecy was during the reign of Jeroboam II.
- Materialism was the main concern of God in this book.
- Materialism was a concern of God even before the Israelites came to the
promised land. (Deut. 6:10-12, 8:6-14). When things are going well materially,
the challenge of staying focussed spiritually is not easy.
Judgment On Israel’s Neighbors (Amos 1:1-2:5)
- Damascus-their sin was the cruelty towards the inhabitants of Gilead (tribes
of Gad and Reuben). God’s judgment was destruction and captivity.
- Gaza (philistia) - their sin was engaging in slave traffic and the judgment was
total devastation.
- Tyre - their sins was also slave trading
- Edom - their sin was hatred for their relatives
- Ammon - their sin was ripping open pregnant women
- Moab - their sin was burning the king of Edom’s bones.
The interesting thing to notice here is that nothing escapes the notice and the judgment of God. It is quite relieving
to know that every wickedness will be dealt with.
Judgment Of Judah And Israel (Amos 2:6-16)
- Judah - her sin was rejection of the Law of God in favor of heathen idolatry.
- Israel - several sins are listed (a) Social injustice (b) Immorality (prostitution)
(c) Idolatry (worshipping other gods) (d) Rebellion against God
- Their judgment was their inability to flee when destruction comes upon
them.
- This prophecy was fulfilled by the Assyrians in 722BC when the northern
kingdom of Israel was taken as captives (2 Ki. 17:5-23).
God was not only concerned with His covenant people but also with the surrounding nations. God is the sole and the
righteous judge. God holds men accountable for their actions. Are we willing to let the word of God persuade us to
do what is right?
Application :
What could be God’s greatest concern for your present life?
Ecclesiastes 12:13
Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
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