Amos - Introduction

Introduction

I am going to start an extra series on some Old Testament books. Maybe not daily, but probably most days.

With all the prophets it is important to be aware of the historical and cultural background. Amos prophesied in the reign of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC), probably towards the end of Jeroboam’s reign, with approximately 760 BC being a favoured date. His ministry only lasted a few months and was to the northern kingdom of Israel. However, although Amos addressed the northern kingdom he was from Tekoa, which was in Judah, the southern kingdom. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah spoke at times of national crisis (the impending Assyrian and Babylonian invasions, respectively), but Amos spoke at a time of peace and prosperity. King Benhadad III of Syria had died in 776 BC, and Jeroboam took advantage of the ensuing power vacuum. He controlled Damascus and so also had control of the trading routes.

So why did God need to send a prophet in a time of prosperity? Well the rich and powerful were neglecting God’s law. There was increasing injustice in the land, and a lack of concern for the poor. A merchant class was building up and a shift in population from the country to the city. Wealth was being concentrated in the hands of the few. Before the socialists among you get too excited, there was also increasing centralisation and increasing taxes. Obviously, we see some of these things in our own society. The gap in pay between those at the top and those at the bottom, indeed those in the middle, has increased enormously. There are serious problems in the legal system.

Outwardly there was an increased interest in religion, with shrines being erected here and there (eg Bethel, Dan, Gilgal and Beersheba). Yet if there is no concern for justice or the poor, then our religion is worthless. So Amos was sent to rebuke the people, in particular the leaders.

Little is known about Amos himself. His name means “burden” and he was a shepherd. However, the word used for shepherd is rather unusual and he may have been a relatively wealthy shepherd, but one with a concern for the Lord and for justice. He was not “a prophet nor a prophet’s son”.

The book is one of judgement for the most part, but it ends in hope. This is a pattern repeated in much of the Bible. Our human nature is to deny or ignore sin and hope for the best. God’s nature is to face up to the full reality of our sin, deal with it, and bring true life.

Amos speaks of the “Day of the Lord”. This is not a specific day as such, but a time when God’s will is done, when His justice is manifest.

Bibliography

Joel and Amos - D A Hubbard, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 1989.