Amos: Seek the LORD and let justice flow

Where Amos sits

In the story

Act IV, Israel · Divided, c. 930–586 BC

In the Bible

Old Testament · Prophets · book 30 of 66

Before it in the story

Jonah

After it in the story

Hosea

Amos comes from Tekoa in Judah to prophesy to Israel during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, when prosperity coexists with exploitation and corrupt worship.

Amos summary

Amos in context

Written by

Amos, whose words and visions are identified in 1:1; he describes his calling in 7:14–15.

Written to

The northern kingdom of Israel, with surrounding nations and Judah also addressed.

Setting

Amos comes from Tekoa in Judah to prophesy to Israel during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, when prosperity coexists with exploitation and corrupt worship.

When

Mid-eighth century BC, commonly about 760 BC; 1:1 dates the words two years before an earthquake.

Why

To expose false security, summon Israel to seek the LORD and announce judgment followed by Davidic restoration.

Themes of Amos

• Justice and worship
• Judgment and Davidic hope

Key verses in Amos

• Amos 3:2

  “Only you have I known from all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”

• Amos 5:24

  But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

• Amos 9:11–12

  “In that day I will restore the fallen tent of David. I will repair its gaps, restore its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old, that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear My name,” declares the LORD, who will do this.

Amos chapter by chapter

Part 1 · Judgment reaches Israel 1–2

1. 1
   Amos 1: The LORD roars against the nations

   The LORD holds surrounding nations accountable for cruelty, betrayal and the trafficking of human lives.

2. 2
   Amos 2: Israel stands with the guilty nations

   God's own people face judgment for rejecting His word and exploiting those He commanded them to protect.

Part 2 · Hear the LORD's charge 3–4

1. 3
   Amos 3: Privilege brings accountability

   Israel's special relationship with the LORD makes its violence and false worship grounds for judgment.

2. 4
   Amos 4: Discipline has not brought return

   Israel persists in oppression and corrupt worship despite repeated warnings, and must face its Creator.

Part 3 · Seek the LORD and live 5–6

1. 5
   Amos 5: Seek the LORD and practice justice

   The LORD calls Israel to seek Him and live, rejecting worship that accompanies injustice and idolatry.

2. 6
   Amos 6: Comfort without grief leads to exile

   The leaders' luxurious indifference and confidence in strength bring the judgment they refuse to face.

Part 4 · The end and the promised renewal 7–9

1. 7
   Amos 7: The prophet speaks despite royal resistance

   God hears Amos's pleas, yet persistent rebellion and rejection of His word bring an announced end to Israel's security.

2. 8
   Amos 8: Ripe for the end and starving for the word

   Israel's dishonest gain brings mourning and a famine of the divine word it has rejected.

3. 9
   Amos 9: Judgment will not cancel the promised kingdom

   The LORD judges the sinful kingdom, preserves His people and restores David's rule with a lasting inheritance.

See the outline of Amos