These are the words of Amos, who was among the sheepherders of Tekoa--what he saw concerning Israel two years before the earthquake, in the days when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash was king of Israel. The words of AmosThe opening phrase, "The words of Amos," introduces us to the prophet and his message. Amos, whose name means "burden" or "burden-bearer" in Hebrew, was chosen by God to deliver a heavy message of judgment and hope. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message, as Amos speaks not his own words, but those given to him by God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prophets were seen as messengers of the divine, and Amos stands in this tradition, bearing the weight of God's revelation to His people. who was among the sheep breeders from Tekoa which he received in visions concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel two years before the earthquake Persons / Places / Events 1. AmosA prophet and sheep breeder from Tekoa, called by God to deliver His message to Israel. His background as a shepherd highlights his humble origins and God's use of ordinary people for His purposes. 2. Tekoa A small town in Judah, south of Jerusalem. It was known for its rugged terrain and pastoral lifestyle, which shaped Amos's perspective and message. 3. Israel The northern kingdom, which had turned away from God, engaging in idolatry and social injustice. Amos's prophecies were directed primarily at this kingdom. 4. Uzziah King of Judah during Amos's time. His reign was marked by prosperity and military success, but also by spiritual complacency. 5. Jeroboam son of Jehoash King of Israel, known for his military achievements and expansion of Israel's borders, but also for perpetuating idolatry and social injustice. 6. The Earthquake A significant event that served as a historical marker for Amos's prophecies. It symbolizes the impending judgment and upheaval that Amos prophesied. Teaching Points God Uses the HumbleAmos's background as a shepherd reminds us that God often chooses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We should be open to God's calling, regardless of our status or background. Judgment and Mercy The mention of the earthquake serves as a reminder of God's impending judgment but also His mercy in providing warnings. We should heed God's warnings and turn back to Him. Spiritual Complacency Despite prosperity, both Judah and Israel were spiritually complacent. We must guard against allowing material success to lead us away from God. Social Justice Amos's message highlights the importance of justice and righteousness. As believers, we are called to advocate for the oppressed and live out God's justice in our communities. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Amos's background as a shepherd influence his perspective and message? How can our own backgrounds shape our ministry or calling?2. What does the earthquake symbolize in the context of Amos's prophecies, and how can we apply this understanding to recognize God's warnings in our lives today? 3. In what ways can prosperity lead to spiritual complacency, and how can we actively maintain our spiritual fervor in times of abundance? 4. How does Amos's message about social justice challenge us to address issues of injustice in our own communities? 5. How can we discern and respond to God's calling in our lives, even if it seems unexpected or beyond our current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 14:23-29Provides historical context for Jeroboam's reign, highlighting the prosperity and expansion of Israel, which contrasts with the spiritual decline addressed by Amos. Zechariah 14:5 Mentions the earthquake during Uzziah's reign, emphasizing its significance and the fear it instilled, which parallels the fear of God's judgment in Amos's prophecies. Isaiah 1:1 Similar to Amos, Isaiah's prophecies are set during the reign of Uzziah, providing a broader picture of the spiritual state of both Judah and Israel during this period.
People Amos, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Hazael, Jehoash, Jeroboam, Joash, Teman, UzziahPlaces Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beth-eden, Bozrah, Carmel, Damascus, Edom, Ekron, Gaza, Gilead, Jerusalem, Kir, Rabbah, Syria, Tekoa, Teman, Tyre, Valley of Aven, ZionTopics Amos, Earthquake, Earth-shock, Envisioned, Herdmen, Herdsmen, Jehoash, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Joash, Jo'ash, Judah, Shaking, Sheepherders, Shepherds, Tekoa, Teko'a, Uzziah, Uzzi'ah, VisionsDictionary of Bible Themes Amos 1:1 1469 visions Library The Prophet Joel. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is … Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon. Whether, in Prophetic Revelation, New Species of Things are Impressed on the Prophet's Mind, or Merely a New Light? Whether a Natural Disposition is Requisite for Prophecy? How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not Humble, are to be Admonished. The Twelve Minor Prophets. Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. A Discourse of Mercifulness Links Amos 1:1 NIVAmos 1:1 NLT Amos 1:1 ESV Amos 1:1 NASB Amos 1:1 KJV Amos 1:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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