Amos

Amos

Historical Background and Purpose

The book of Amos was written by the prophet, Amos, near the end of King Jeroboam's reign (786 - 746 BC) during a time of economic growth and prosperity in the northern kingdom (see introduction to the book of Amos in the Sourceview Bible).  At that time, the kingdom of Israel was  relatively strong compared to the surrounding kingdoms of Assyria, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt (see page 244 of Nelson's Complete Book of Bible Maps and Charts).  The people of Israel were enjoying outward success (militarily, politically, and economically); however, they were failing inwardly (with materialism, immorality, and injustice).  The prophet, Amos, warned the people of Israel of God's impending judgment of them; however, the people of Israel were enjoying their success and prosperity and ignored his message.  The book of Amos was written to remind the people of their injustices and to warn them to repent before it was too late.

Character and Nature of God

God loves His people; however, He will not allow them to go unpunished if they continue in their sin.  For example, God said, "The people of Damascus have sinned again and again, and I will not let them go unpunished!" (Amos 1:3).  God then told the people of Damascus what sins they had committed and what their punishment would be (see Amos 1:3-5).  God gave similar messages to the peoples of Gaza (see Amos 1:6-8), Tyre (see Amos 1:9-10), Edom (see Amos 1:11-12), Ammon (see Amos 1:13-15), Moab (see Amos 2:1-3), Judah (see Amos 2:4-5), and Israel (see Amos 2:6-16).  God will not allow people to sin and sin again and let them go unpunished!  God will judge people - all people - for their sins!  God will punish His people for their sins; however, God will then restore His people!

God's Redemptive Plan for Mankind

Throughout the book of Amos, God judges and punishes people who have sinned again and again.  God will punish His people for their sins; however, God will then restore His people!  God states, "But I will never completely destroy the family of Israel. . . I will restore the fallen house of David.  I will repair its damaged walls.  From the ruins I will rebuild it and restore its former glory. . . I will bring my exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again. . . I will firmly plant them there in their own land.  They will never again be uprooted from the land I have given them" (see Amos 9:8-15).  God will restore His people!