DEVOTIONS 101 | AMOS

DEVOTIONS 101 | AMOS

The Book of Amos is a prophetic book in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) that is named after its author, Amos. Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer in the Southern Kingdom of Judah, but he was called by God to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel (around 760-750 BC).

The Book of Amos contains a series of speeches that Amos delivered to Israel, denouncing their social injustice and religious hypocrisy. Amos' message emphasizes God's judgment on Israel for their sin, but also contains a message of hope for those who turn back to God.

Here are some key verses from the Book of Amos:

"Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals - they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and push the afflicted out of the way." - Amos 2:6-7a

This verse illustrates the social injustice that Amos denounces in his prophetic speeches. Israel is guilty of oppressing and exploiting the poor and vulnerable for their own gain.

"Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph." - Amos 5:14-15

This verse is a call to repentance and emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and righteousness. Amos encourages Israel to turn away from evil and establish justice, with the hope that God will be gracious to them.

"I hate, I despise your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals I will not look upon." - Amos 5:21-22

This verse denounces the religious hypocrisy of Israel. Despite their religious rituals and offerings, God is not pleased with them because they have neglected justice and righteousness.

"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." - Amos 5:24

This verse is a famous call to justice and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of establishing a just society. Amos encourages Israel to let justice flow like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

"On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old." - Amos 9:11

This verse contains a message of hope for Israel. Despite their sin and judgment, God promises to restore the house of David and rebuild it as in the days of old, pointing to the coming of a future king (Messiah).

Overall, the Book of Amos is a powerful denunciation of social injustice and religious hypocrisy, with a call to repentance and a message of hope for restoration and righteousness.