Title and Author: The book of Amos is named after its author, Amos, a prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah. Amos was not a professional prophet but a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore-fig trees (Amos 7:14-15). His name means "burden" or "burden-bearer," which is fitting given the weighty messages he delivered.

Historical Context: Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel, around 760-750 BC. This was a time of relative peace and prosperity for Israel, but also of moral decay, social injustice, and idolatry. The nation was divided into two kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south.

Audience: Amos primarily addressed the northern kingdom of Israel, though his messages also included judgments against surrounding nations and Judah. His audience was complacent, wealthy, and religiously active, yet deeply corrupt and unjust.

Purpose: The purpose of Amos's prophecy was to call Israel to repentance and warn them of impending judgment due to their social injustices, idolatry, and empty religious rituals. Amos sought to awaken the people to their moral and spiritual failures.

Genre and Style: Amos is a prophetic book characterized by poetic language, vivid imagery, and rhetorical questions. It combines oracles of judgment with visions and promises of restoration.1. Amos (Amos 1:1)
- Amos is the prophet and author of the book. He was a shepherd from Tekoa and was called by God to prophesy to Israel during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel.

2. Uzziah (Amos 1:1)
- Uzziah was the king of Judah during the time of Amos's prophecies. His reign is noted for prosperity and military success.

3. Jeroboam (Amos 1:1)
- Jeroboam II was the king of Israel when Amos prophesied. His reign was marked by territorial expansion and economic prosperity, but also by social injustice and idolatry.

4. Isaac (Amos 7:9)
- Isaac is mentioned as a patriarch of Israel. The "high places of Isaac" refer to places of worship that had become centers of idolatry.

5. Jacob (Amos 7:2)
- Jacob, also known as Israel, is the patriarch whose descendants formed the twelve tribes of Israel. The name is used to refer to the nation of Israel.

6. Amaziah (Amos 7:10)
- Amaziah was a priest of Bethel who opposed Amos's prophecies and reported him to King Jeroboam II, accusing him of conspiracy.

7. David (Amos 9:11)
- David, the second king of Israel, is mentioned in a prophecy about the restoration of the "fallen tent of David," symbolizing the future restoration and blessing of Israel.1. Tekoa (Amos 1:1)
- Tekoa is the hometown of Amos, located in the southern kingdom of Judah. It is situated about 10 miles south of Jerusalem and is known for its rugged terrain.

2. Israel (Amos 1:1)
- Israel refers to the northern kingdom, which split from Judah after the reign of Solomon. It is the primary audience of Amos's prophecies.

3. Samaria (Amos 3:9)
- Samaria is the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel. It is often associated with idolatry and injustice in the prophetic literature.

4. Damascus (Amos 1:3)
- Damascus is the capital of Aram (modern-day Syria). It is mentioned in the context of judgment for its transgressions against Israel.

5. Gaza (Amos 1:6)
- Gaza is one of the principal cities of the Philistines, located on the southwestern coast of Israel. It is condemned for its role in the slave trade.

6. Tyre (Amos 1:9)
- Tyre is a major Phoenician port city known for its wealth and trade. It is rebuked for breaking a covenant of brotherhood with Israel.

7. Edom (Amos 1:11)
- Edom is a nation descended from Esau, located southeast of Israel. It is criticized for its perpetual hostility toward Israel.

8. Ammon (Amos 1:13)
- Ammon is a nation east of the Jordan River, often in conflict with Israel. It is judged for its violent expansionist policies.

9. Moab (Amos 2:1)
- Moab is a neighboring nation east of the Dead Sea, known for its enmity with Israel. It is condemned for desecrating the bones of the king of Edom.

10. Judah (Amos 2:4)
- Judah is the southern kingdom, which remained loyal to the Davidic line. It is rebuked for rejecting God's law and following false gods.

11. Bethel (Amos 3:14)
- Bethel is a significant religious site in the northern kingdom, associated with idolatrous worship practices. It was one of the centers of calf worship established by Jeroboam I.

12. Gilgal (Amos 4:4)
- Gilgal is another religious site in Israel, known for its association with idolatry and ritualistic worship.

13. Beersheba (Amos 5:5)
- Beersheba is a city in the southern part of Judah, often mentioned as a pilgrimage site. It is criticized for its idolatrous practices.

14. Calneh (Amos 6:2)
- Calneh is a city in Mesopotamia, used as an example of a once-great city that fell, serving as a warning to Israel.

15. Hamath (Amos 6:2)
- Hamath is a city in Syria, mentioned alongside Calneh as a warning of impending judgment.

16. Gath (Amos 6:2)
- Gath is one of the five Philistine cities, used as a comparison to highlight Israel's false sense of security.

17. Mount Carmel (Amos 9:3)
- Mount Carmel is a mountain range in northern Israel, known for its lush vegetation and as the site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal.1. Introduction and Identification of Amos (Amos 1:1)
- Amos introduces himself as a shepherd from Tekoa and sets the historical context during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel.

2. Judgment on Neighboring Nations (Amos 1:3–2:3)
- Amos delivers God's judgment against various nations surrounding Israel, including Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab, for their transgressions and injustices.

3. Judgment on Judah (Amos 2:4-5)
- God pronounces judgment on Judah for rejecting His law and not keeping His statutes.

4. Judgment on Israel (Amos 2:6-16)
- Amos condemns Israel for social injustices, including oppression of the poor and corruption, and warns of impending punishment.

5. God's Punishment and Israel's Ingratitude (Amos 3:1-15)
- God reminds Israel of their special relationship and their failure to live up to it, leading to inevitable punishment.

6. Call to Repentance and Lamentation (Amos 4:1-13)
- Amos recounts various calamities sent by God as warnings and calls Israel to return to Him, highlighting their continued refusal to repent.

7. A Call to Seek the Lord (Amos 5:1-17)
- Amos urges Israel to seek the Lord and live, emphasizing justice and righteousness over ritualistic worship.

8. The Day of the Lord (Amos 5:18-27)
- Amos warns of the coming "Day of the Lord," a time of darkness and judgment, criticizing Israel's empty religious practices.

9. Woe to the Complacent (Amos 6:1-14)
- A message of woe is pronounced against those in Israel who are complacent and indulge in luxury while ignoring the nation's moral decay.

10. Vision of Locusts (Amos 7:1-3)
- Amos sees a vision of locusts devouring the land, but he intercedes, and God relents from sending this disaster.

11. Vision of Fire (Amos 7:4-6)
- Amos sees a vision of fire consuming the land, but again he intercedes, and God relents.

12. Vision of a Plumb Line (Amos 7:7-9)
- God shows Amos a plumb line, symbolizing the standard by which Israel will be judged, indicating that judgment is imminent.

13. Confrontation with Amaziah (Amos 7:10-17)
- Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, opposes Amos and reports him to King Jeroboam. Amos responds with a prophecy of Amaziah's downfall.

14. Vision of a Basket of Ripe Fruit (Amos 8:1-3)
- Amos sees a basket of ripe fruit, symbolizing that Israel is ripe for judgment, and God declares the end is near.

15. The Coming Famine of the Word (Amos 8:11-12)
- Amos prophesies a famine, not of food or water, but of hearing the words of the Lord, indicating spiritual desolation.

16. Vision of the Lord by the Altar (Amos 9:1-4)
- Amos sees the Lord standing by the altar, commanding the destruction of the sanctuary and the scattering of the people.

17. Restoration of Israel (Amos 9:11-15)
- Despite the judgments, Amos concludes with a promise of restoration, where God will rebuild the fallen house of David and bless His people.1. Divine Judgment (Amos 1:3)
- Amos begins with a series of judgments against various nations, including Israel and Judah. The prophet declares that God will not overlook the transgressions of these nations, emphasizing that divine justice is inevitable. "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 1:3).

2. Social Injustice (Amos 2:6)
- A major theme in Amos is the condemnation of social injustices, such as the exploitation of the poor and corruption among the powerful. The prophet criticizes the Israelites for their failure to uphold justice and righteousness. "They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals." (Amos 2:6).

3. Religious Hypocrisy (Amos 5:21)
- Amos denounces the empty religious rituals of the Israelites, highlighting the disconnect between their worship and their moral conduct. God desires genuine righteousness over mere ceremonial observance. "I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies." (Amos 5:21).

4. The Day of the Lord (Amos 5:18)
- The "Day of the Lord" is depicted as a time of darkness and judgment rather than deliverance for those who are unfaithful. Amos warns that this day will bring calamity to those who expect it to be a time of triumph. "Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light." (Amos 5:18).

5. Call to Repentance (Amos 5:4)
- Despite the impending judgment, Amos calls the people to seek God and live. This theme underscores the possibility of redemption if the people turn back to God and practice justice. "Seek Me and live!" (Amos 5:4).

6. The Sovereignty of God (Amos 4:13)
- Amos emphasizes God's supreme power and authority over all creation. The prophet reminds the people that God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, and His will is ultimate. "He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God of Hosts is His name." (Amos 4:13).

7. The Remnant (Amos 9:8)
- While judgment is pronounced, there is also a promise of restoration for a faithful remnant. God will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob but will preserve a portion for future blessing. "Yet I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob," declares the LORD. (Amos 9:8).

8. Restoration and Hope (Amos 9:11)
- The book concludes with a message of hope and restoration, where God promises to restore the fallen house of David and bring prosperity and peace to His people. "In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David..." (Amos 9:11).1. The Roaring Lion (Amos 1:2)
- Description: Amos begins with the imagery of the Lord roaring from Zion, which can be seen as a symbol of divine authority and judgment. This can be associated with Jesus as the Lion of Judah, representing His power and authority.
- Verse: "The LORD roars from Zion and raises His voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the summit of Carmel withers."

2. The Righteous Judge (Amos 5:24)
- Description: Amos emphasizes justice and righteousness, qualities that are central to Jesus' mission. Jesus is seen as the ultimate judge who will bring justice to the nations.
- Verse: "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

3. The Restorer of David’s Fallen Tent (Amos 9:11)
- Description: This prophecy speaks of the restoration of the house of David, which Christians interpret as fulfilled in Jesus, who is a descendant of David and establishes an eternal kingdom.
- Verse: "In that day I will raise up the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old."

4. The Light to the Nations (Amos 9:12)
- Description: The prophecy that the remnant of Edom and all the nations will bear the name of the Lord is seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus' mission to bring salvation to all peoples.
- Verse: "that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name, declares the LORD, who will do this."

5. The Provider of Abundance (Amos 9:13-14)
- Description: The imagery of abundant harvests and restoration of fortunes is seen as a type of the spiritual abundance and restoration Jesus brings to believers.
- Verse: "Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes the sower of seed. The mountains will drip with sweet wine, and all the hills will flow with it."1. Prophecy of Judgment on Damascus
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 1:3-5).
- Fulfillment: The prophecy against Damascus was fulfilled when the Assyrians, under Tiglath-Pileser III, conquered Damascus in 732 BC.

2. Prophecy of Judgment on Gaza
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 1:6-8).
- Fulfillment: Gaza was eventually conquered by the Assyrians and later by other empires, fulfilling the prophecy of destruction.

3. Prophecy of Judgment on Tyre
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 1:9-10).
- Fulfillment: Tyre faced multiple sieges, including those by the Assyrians and later by Alexander the Great, leading to its downfall.

4. Prophecy of Judgment on Edom
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 1:11-12).
- Fulfillment: Edom was eventually subjugated by various empires, including the Babylonians and later the Nabateans.

5. Prophecy of Judgment on Ammon
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 1:13-15).
- Fulfillment: Ammon was conquered by the Babylonians, fulfilling the prophecy of its destruction.

6. Prophecy of Judgment on Moab
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 2:1-3).
- Fulfillment: Moab was also conquered by the Babylonians, leading to its decline.

7. Prophecy of Judgment on Judah
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 2:4-5).
- Fulfillment: Judah was eventually conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BC, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

8. Prophecy of Judgment on Israel
- Prophecy: "For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment..." (Amos 2:6-16).
- Fulfillment: The Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, leading to the exile of its people.

9. Prophecy of the Day of the Lord
- Prophecy: "Woe to you who long for the Day of the LORD! What will the Day of the LORD be for you? It will be darkness and not light" (Amos 5:18).
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is often seen as a warning of impending judgment, fulfilled in the various conquests and exiles faced by Israel and Judah.

10. Prophecy of Restoration of Israel
- Prophecy: "In that day I will restore the fallen booth of David..." (Amos 9:11-15).
- Fulfillment: This prophecy is seen as having both a historical and eschatological fulfillment, with the return of the exiles and the future hope of restoration.

1. Prophecy against All Nations  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:16 )

a. Judgment on Israel’s Neighbors  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:5 )

i. Introduction  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2 )

ii. Judgment on Aram  ( 1:3⁠–⁠5 )

iii. Judgment on the Philistines  ( 1:6⁠–⁠8 )

iv. Judgment on Tyre  ( 1:9⁠–⁠10 )

v. Judgment on Edom  ( 1:11⁠–⁠12 )

vi. Judgment on the Ammonites  ( 1:13⁠–⁠15 )

vii. Judgment on Moab  ( 2:1⁠–⁠3 )

viii. Judgment on Judah  ( 2:4⁠–⁠5 )

b. Judgment on Israel  ( 2:6⁠–⁠16 )

2. Prophecy against Israel  ( 3:1⁠–⁠6:14 )

a. Witnesses against Israel  ( 3:1⁠–⁠15 )

b. Punishment Brings No repentance  ( 4:1⁠–⁠13 )

c. A Lamentation against Israel  ( 5:1⁠–⁠3 )

d. A Call to Repentance  ( 5:4⁠–⁠15 )

e. Woe to Rebellious Israel  ( 5:16⁠–⁠27 )

f. Woe to Those at Ease in Zion  ( 6:1⁠–⁠7 )

g. The Pride of Israel  ( 6:8⁠–⁠14 )

3. Visions of Judgment  ( 7:1⁠–⁠9:15 )

a. The LORD Relented  ( 7:1⁠–⁠6 )

i. The Locust Swarm  ( 7:1⁠–⁠3 )

ii. Judgment by Fire  ( 7:4⁠–⁠6 )

b. The LORD Does Not Relent  ( 7:7⁠–⁠9:10 )

i. The Plumb Line  ( 7:7⁠–⁠17 )

1. The Vision  ( 7:7⁠–⁠9 )

2. Amaziah Accuses Amos  ( 7:10⁠–⁠17 )

ii. The Basket of Summer Fruit  ( 8:1⁠–⁠14 )

iii. The Destruction of Israel  ( 9:1⁠–⁠10 )

c. A Promise of Restoration  ( 9:11⁠–⁠15 )