Amos was one of the earliest prophets whose writings have been incorporated in the canon of Scripture. This seems strange because this book is very up-to-date. When one studies the book of Amos he wonders whether this book was not written especially for a time such as this.

Nothing is known of the writer of this book save that which we find in the book itself. There is no reference to him in any of the historical books of the Old Testament. Amos introduces himself to the readers of his book in the first verse of the first chapter and refers to his vocation and calling in chapter 7:14–15. Only three verses are used to tell us who he is, where he lived, when he prophesied, how he made his living, and why he became a prophet. But, as is characteristic of Amos, he can say much in few words.

Amos lived in Tekoa, about twelve miles south of Jerusalem. It is situated in rugged, hilly country. Here he was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees. It is difficult to tell with certainty from the word used whether be was the owner of a flock or whether he was a shepherd in the employ of others. Did he raise sycamore trees or was its fruit his food? Again, it is difficult to state the matter with any degree of certainty. He seems to have been neither rich nor poor, but was able to leave his work for some time to prophesy.

         

           

Amos did not come from one of “the schools of the prophets.” He was not a professional. He was taken from his daily work and was told to bring a very specific message to Israel Yet, though he did not receive instruction at any school for his prophetic task, tile whole book bears testimony to the fact that he was a talented man. Many of his statements may not sound very polished but there is also a certain poetic eloquence. His style is vivid. He uses illustrations from his former employment very effectively. His style suits his message admirably.

Amos prophesied during the time when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam II was king of Israel. This places the time of his ministry in approximately the middle of the eighth century before the coming of Christ. He prophesied two years before the earthquake. Many earthquakes have shaken the land of Palestine but this was the most memorable one. The prophet Zechariah makes reference to this same earthquake (Zech. 14:5).

Although Amos was from Judah he was called to prophesy in and against Israel, the northern kingdom. Once before, in the days of Jeroboam I, a man of God had been sent from Judah to bring the word of God against Israel. When Amos speaks he is on foreign soil. Yet. he is well acquainted with conditions in Samaria, having. no doubt, often been to the markets there.

Amos is called for a very specific task. God places his own words in the mouth of the prophets. Amos will speak only the words which he “saw,” and the visions which he saw “Jehovah will roar from Zion.” Amos will not come to speak peace to the northern kingdom. His prophecies are full of judgment. Jehovah’s voice will thunder. The pastures of the shepherds and the top of Carmel will be scorched! No living thing will be able to endure the wrath of God. The voice of Jehovah will be heard from Jerusalem. Jeroboam I had introduced false worship in the northern kingdom. Baal was served during the days of Ahab. Elijah warred against this Baal worship and was successful in uprooting it to a large degree. At the present time the people of Israel serve “Jehovah.” Let them realize that Jehovah’s house is in Judah and that he dwells in Jerusalem!

Why is Amos sent with such a message of judgment against Israel? The whole book of Amos gives an answer to this question. The conditions in the land of Israel were such that one marvels that the earthquake of which he spoke did not come earlier.

There was more prosperity in both Israel and Judah than at any time since the reign of Solomon. Jeroboam II had extended the borders of Israel farther than ever before. He had been successful in war. No nation threatened the peace of Israel. Commerce and industry flourished. Time and again Amos refers to the wealth of the people of Israel. Wealth gave them social position. It brought ease. They could afford “a good life.” This led to all manner of evils.

But, religion was not forgotten! In fact, the people were very religious. The requirements of the law were held in honor. They cannot understand why Amos preaches coming judgment. God has blest them as never before. Is this Dot an indication of Divine favor? Let this man talk; but they will not listen. His message is even irritating. Let him go back where he came from (Amos 7:12–13).

Jehovah roars from Z ion. The people think they are serving Jehovah, but it is not the God of their fathers. They have made a god in their own image! Amos will tell them who God is and what he requires. Their religion is false. They worship as they see fit. The fact that religion is practised does not necessarily mean that it will meet with the favor of God. It must be true religion. True religion is basic to morality. The people of Israel know no morality. The thirst for wealth determines their business practices. Immoral deeds are committed which are not even found among the heathen. This is indicative of the shallowness of their religion.

Amos first spoke these prophecies in Israel. Later they were written in the book which is now before us. Thus these prophecies were preserved for the church of all ages. Amos pictures the times vividly. He also reveals the God who is not mocked. The times, as Amos describes them, remind us of our own time. This book could have been written yesterday! Although his message is one of judgment against the evils of his day, mercy is not forgotten. The remnant shall be saved. The tabernacle of David which has fallen shall be raised up again. So Amos speaks to us today.

Questions for discussion:

1. Why do you think it very important for the understanding of a Bible book to know who the author is, where he lived, etc.?

2. Why does the talent of the author of a Bible book influence his style of writing, seeing the Spirit of God has inspired aU the authors?

3. Amos did not attend the schools of the prophets but God called him directly. Is such a thing still possible today?

4. Is prosperity always a sign of Divine favor?

5. Does our religion today sufficiently govern our daily lives?

6. Do you think there is enough preaching in our circles on such themes as are treated in the book of Amos? If not, how would you explain this lack?