INTRODUCTION

From about the middle of the 9th century B.C., Assyria was beginning to develop as a world power. At the end of the 9th century, it went into decline for about 60 years, it was probably during that period that Jonah had gone to Assyria.

This period of weakness gave Israel and Judah a chance to strengthen their own positions. The period of Assyrian weakness coincided with the reign of Uzziah and Jeroboam II. Both of these kings brought prosperity to their nation.

The territories were enlarged, trade increased, and material wealth was enjoyed by the rich. However, the death of Jeroboam II and the succession to the throne of Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria brought to an end this period of prosperity for Israel. Tiglath-Pileser III embarked on a policy of conquest which included Israel.

So from the time of the death of Jeroboam II, Israel very quickly collapsed until in 722 B.C. They were finally taken away into captivity by the Assyrians, 2 Kings 17:5-23.

It was during the period of prosperity that Amos brought his message to Israel. Although he was from Judah, his message was for the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS CONDITIONS

The affluent society in which the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. Some people were living in luxury, Amos 3:15 / Amos 6:4-7. A society characterised by social injustice, Amos 2: 6-8 / Amos 5:11-12 / Amos 8:4. There was also religious corruption, Amos 4:4-5 / Amos 8:4-6.

AUTHOR

Amos himself is the author and his name appears seven times throughout his book, Amos 1:1 / Amos 7:8 / Amos 7:10 / Amos 7:11 / Amos 7:12 / Amos 7:14 / Amos 8:2.

The name of Amos is not to be confused with Amoz the father of Isaiah, 2 Kings 19:2 / 2 Kings 19:20.

The name Amos means ‘carrier’ or ‘burden bearer’. He was from the village of Tekoa, Amos 1:1, which was about five miles south of Nazareth. This was a rugged environment, a mountainous region.

By occupation Amos was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees, Amos 7:14, the sycamore tree bore a fig-like fruit. This fruit had to be pierced in order for it to ripen.

The message of Amos shows us that God is a God of righteousness and holiness. God’s holiness demands that He punishes Israel for her wickedness.

DATE

Amos 1:1 gives us the details of the date. In the days of Uzziah, 792-740 B.C. and Jeroboam II, 793-753 B.C. according to Chronology of the Hebrew Kings by E.R. Thiele.

The date of the earthquake, Amos 1:1, is uncertain but it must have been a significant earthquake because it is mentioned in Zechariah 14:5, the book is generally dated around 760 B.C.

OUTLINE

Introduction. Amos 1:1-2
Judgment on Israel’s neighbours. Amos 1:3-2:5
Judgment on Israel. Amos 2:6-16
Five messages of condemnation. Amos 3:1-6:1
Five visions. Amos 7:1-9:10
A hope for the future. Amos 9:11-15

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