Old Testament Prophets

Class 7 – Amos Introduction

1. Review last week – questions?
   
   
1. Amos –
   
   
2. Overview & Historical Background
1. Is one of the more intensely studied books
2. Audience – primarily the Northern Kingdom.
3. Amos lived in the first half of the 8^th century BC during reigns of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) in Israel (north) and Uzziah (791-740 BC) in Judah

                                                               i.      Some scholars believe Amos is the earliest of the prophets.

                                                             ii.      Although preaching to the North Amos was probably from the southern kingdom. Tekoa is about 5 miles south of Bethlehem.

                                                            iii.      Amos seems to be someone from the lower social and economic classes (vs 1:1 and 7:14).

4. Date – it is unclean and not agreed whether Amos’ prophecies are from a single “20 minute harangue”, a few days period or possibly a much longer period.
   
   The superscription (vs 1:1) seems to suggest a fairly short period before the great earthquake.
5. Historical period

                                                               i.      Like Hosea, both northern and southern kingdoms are prosperous and expanding.

1.      Lesson learned – increased prosperity led not to increased faithfulness to God but to godlessness and abuse of the power and gifts that have been given.

                                                             ii.      (After Jeroboam II’s death the north rapidly unwinds

1.      6 kings in 30 years; 3 last less than 2 years and 1 is deposed.

2.      Assyria becomes aggressive and finally annexes the North in 722).

                                                            iii.      A powerful wealthy class has developed – it is the abuse of power and wealth that is the focus of Amos’ preaching. He seems as intent on internal faults (poor and inadequate concern for the poor) as he is with external evil.

3. HHStructure (from Dillard & Longman):
1. Chapters 1-2 – Oracles Against the Nations

                                                               i.      Amos offers indictments against eight nations, finishing with Israel herself.

1.      Gentile nations are guilty of war crimes; however these are mainly to set up the shocker which is the condemnation of Israel.

2.      Israel is guilty of social injustice.

2. Chapters 3-6 – Judgment speeches against Israel

                                                               i.      Classic form for suzerain-vassal relationships include a legal setting:

1.      plaintiff & defendant are introduced (3:1)

2.      History of relationship and breach are given (3:1b-3:2)

3.      cross examination (3:3-6)

4.      Status of prophet-lawsuit messenger is confirmed (3:7-8).

5.      Witnesses are summoned (3:9)

6.      Judgment pronounced (3:10-15).

3. Chapters 7-9 – the Vision Reports

                                                               i.      The first four visions are related

1.      Locusts and drought – two severe threats for an agrarian society

2.      Plumb-line and fruit basket represent God’s “perfection”, His standards or law (ie., Israel’s actions measured against God’s standards) and the fruit represents the ripening of Israel for judgment.

3.      Final vision – in the Temple with God poised to judge

4. Chapter 9:11-15 – a final promise of salvation
   
   
3. Theological message
1. Justice and righteousness and the “good” of God’s people.

                                                               i.      Social justice and righteousness in required in our lives.

1.      Idolatry

a.       Worship of Yahweh had become corrupt and perfunctory

                                                                                                                                       i.      Dillard notes: “New levels of leisure and disposable wealth had brought open vice (2:7-8); alcohol abuse, even for women (4:1); purchased justice (5:12); and the poor and needy were crushed by the powerful (2:7, 4:1, 5:11, 8:4).

                                                             ii.      Universality of the power and authority of God.

1.      Disobedience is directed towards God and He has the responsibility and obligation to judge and punish.

2. A new way to understand “The Day of the Lord”

                                                               i.      Had been understood as Israel’s victory and vindication; now Amos implies it might be a day of judgment for Israel.

5. Approaching the New Testament
1. Issues of social justice; there should be no differentiation in the treatment of the rich and poor (1 Cor 11:22; James 2:1-10).
2. True religion requires caring for those in need (James:1:27, 5:1-6).

                                                               i.      Jesus’ entire ministry reinforces this point.

Amos is frequently cited when someone wants to prove the strong social ethic of Christianity.

Think about the many similarities between Amos’ world and our own – the peak in power – both military and economic. Reflect upon the warnings (and later judgment) placed upon these two nations.