Amos 1:1-9:15
Background:
The overwhelming emphasis in Amos is the social injustices he saw in the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel and its capital city, Samaria. While some were living luxurious lifestyles, others were being ground down into complete poverty. This was a time of material prosperity, political stability, and spiritual corruption under the reign of Jeroboam II. God finally could endure no more and called Amos to bring a message of judgment to Israel as well as other nations. Amos’ message is an unforgettable example of how much God cares for the poor and the least and that there is a limit to God’s patience. God despises oppression of the poor by those whose aim is to build wealth through greed. His just anger is aroused by human rebellion and indifference when the resources that would have blessed are redirected into destruction.
Memory Verse:
“‘The time is surely coming’ says the Sovereign Lord, ‘when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread or water but of hearing the words of the Lord.’” (Amos 8:11, NLT)
Reflection:
What Psalms do you reflect on when in an attitude of praise?
Study Guide Available
For the corresponding study guide, please contact Melissa Renner at melissar@stonebriar.org.
