Amos 5:3
This is what the Lord GOD says: "The city that marches out a thousand strong will only see a hundred return, and the one that marches out a hundred strong will have but ten left in the house of Israel."
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Amos 5:3?

2. How does Amos 5:3 illustrate the consequences of ignoring God's warnings?

3. What does "a thousand strong" becoming "a hundred" teach about divine judgment?

4. How can Amos 5:3 encourage us to heed God's call for repentance today?

5. What other biblical examples show the importance of obeying God's commands?

6. How should Amos 5:3 influence our community's response to God's guidance?

7. What does Amos 5:3 reveal about God's judgment on Israel's military strength?

8. How does Amos 5:3 reflect the consequences of disobedience to God?

9. What historical context led to the prophecy in Amos 5:3?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Amos 5?

11. Does Isaiah 17:6, which mentions only “a few olives,” reflect an exaggerated or metaphorical claim about desolation that conflicts with known agricultural practices of the region?

12. How can the reported totals in Ezra 2:64-65 align with known population estimates of the region at that time?

13. In that count how many fighting men were found in Israel? Eight hundred thousand (2 Samuel 24:9) One million, one hundred thousand (I Chronicles 21:5)

14. Does the massive gathering in 2 Chronicles 30:13 seem realistic given the population and logistical limits of the time?
Discussion Questions
1. How does the reduction in numbers from a thousand to a hundred, and from a hundred to ten, illustrate the severity of God's judgment on Israel?

2. In what ways does Amos 5:3 reflect the principles found in Deuteronomy 28 regarding blessings and curses?

3. How can the concept of a remnant, as seen in Amos and other prophetic books, provide hope for believers today?

4. What are some modern-day examples of ignoring God's warnings, and what can we learn from Israel's experience in Amos 5:3?

5. How can we ensure that we are part of the faithful remnant that remains obedient to God in times of widespread disobedience?1. What does the lament over Israel's fall in Amos 5:1-3 teach us about the consequences of continuous disobedience to God?

2. Based on Amos 5:4-9, how can we earnestly "seek the Lord" in our lives today?

3. Reflect on the societal injustices highlighted in Amos 5:10-15. How do these parallels exist in today's society and what can we do to uphold justice?

4. How does the warning about the Day of the Lord in Amos 5:16-20 apply to our understanding of God’s judgement and mercy?

5. Considering the comparison between rituals and righteousness in Amos 5:21-27, how can we ensure our worship is genuine and not merely ritualistic?

6. Why is the theme of repentance prevalent in the prophetic books of the Old Testament like Amos? How is it relevant in today's context?

7. What lessons can the modern church learn from the false worship described in Amos 5?

8. How does the critique of social injustice in Amos 5 impact our understanding of God's desire for societal fairness?

9. What does Amos 5 teach us about God's response to insincere worship?

10. Amos 5 demonstrates the consequences of a nation's collective disobedience to God. How can we as individuals and as a community contribute to the spiritual health of our nation?

11. What personal changes can we make in light of the lessons from Amos 5?

12. How can we apply the call for justice and righteousness in our everyday interactions with others?

13. How does Amos 5 challenge your understanding of what it means to lead a life pleasing to God?

14. Discuss ways in which we can discern true worship from false worship in our current cultural and social context.

15. Amos 5 highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with God over rituals. How can this understanding transform our personal and communal worship?

16. How can we ensure we are not falling into the trap of idolatry in today's society, considering the modern "idols" we may face?

17. Discuss the importance of individual and collective repentance in the face of societal sin.

18. Based on Amos 5:15, how can we “hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate” in our personal lives and communities?

19. How can the prophetic warnings in Amos 5 serve as a guide for righteous living?

20. How does Amos 5 deepen your understanding of God's desire for us to be agents of justice and righteousness?

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