Jensens survey of the old testament adam 238

Chart 100 shows Amos among his
contemporaries. Study this carefully, to x
in your mind the book’s historical setting.
What prophets of Israel ministered before
and after Amos? What kings reigned over
Israel and Judah during Amos’s ministry?
Compare 1:1.
2. Audience. Amos’s main audience was
Israel, which politically and economically
was at a zenith of power. The threat of war
was eased, and business was booming. A
spirit
of
self-su ciency
and
smug
complacency thrived on material prosperity.
The rich were getting richer, and the poor
were getting poorer. Idolatry, hypocrisy,
moral corruption, and social injustices were
everywhere. The nation was truly on the
brink of disaster. In fact, on God’s timetable,
destruction was due in about three decades
(722 B.C.). Such was the soul and destiny of
the audience of Amos the prophet.


3. Message. Amos’s preaching was so sharp
and vigorous that he was accused of sedition
by Amaziah, the idolatrous high priest of
Bethel (7:10-17).

Like most prophets, Amos underscored
these key truths:
a) the people’s sin
b) the coming of judgment
c) the righteousness and holiness of God
d) the mercy of God in offering deliverance
The book has often been criticized as a
“dark book.” But Amos’s main purpose in
stirring conviction of sin and repentance in
the hearts of the people was not to alleviate
his own grief over their evil ways. Rather,
he yearned that the people, as individuals
and as a nation, would come to a personal
knowledge of God as their Lord. A key
statement of his book is the Lord’s gracious


invitation, “Seek Me that you may live”
(5:4).

II SURVEY OF AMOS
A. FIRST READINGS

Scan the book once or twice for overall


impressions. Here are some things to look
for in such a survey:
1. Overall tone (e.g., Is the book severe,
mellow,

meditative,
philosophical,
practical?)
2. Tone of the opening chapters as
compared with that of the closing verses
(9:11-15).
3. Groupings of Amos’s messages (e.g.,
beginning at 7:1 is a group of visions).
4. Repeated words and phrases.
5. Verses which strike you, for whatever
reason.
B. SURVEY CHART

Chart 101 is a survey of the book of
Amos, showing its structure and highlights.
Observe the following on the chart, reading
the Bible passages which are cited:
1. The book has a short introduction (1:1-