UNDERSTANDING AMOS | VITAL STATISTICS

0. Introduction

a) The Bible Book Introductions are divided into 4 parts (Overview, Vital Statistics, Blueprint, Mega-themes) for easy-to-understand.

1. Vital Statistics

@1. Purpose:

a) To pronounce God's judgment upon Israel, the northern kingdom, for their complacency, idolatry, and oppression of the poor. 

@2. Author:

a) Amos.

@3. To Whom Written:

a) Israel, the northern kingdom, and God's people everywhere.

@4. Date Written:

a) Probably during the reigns of Jeroboam II of Israel and Uzziah (Azariah) of Judah (about 760-750 B.C.)

@5. Setting:

a) The wealthy people of Israel were enjoying peace and prosperity. They were quite complacent and were oppressing the poor, even selling them into slavery. Soon, however, Israel would be conquered by Assyria, and the rich would themselves become slaves. 

@6. Key Verse:

a)  ²⁴ But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream. (Amos 5:24 NKJV)

@7. Key People:

a) Amos, Amaziah, Jeroboam II. 

@8. Key Places:

a) Bethel, Samaria.

@9. Special Features:

a) Amos uses striking metaphors from his shepherding and farming experience - a loaded cart (2:13), a roaring lion (3:8), a mutilated sheep (3:12), pampered cows (4:1), and a basket of fruit (8:1,2).