Study Guide / Outline

Introduction

• Description: The book of Amos presents a sobering prophetic warning to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, confronting religious hypocrisy and social injustice at a time of national prosperity. Though God’s judgment is severe, Amos also reveals a promise of eventual restoration through covenant faithfulness.

Section 1: Amos the Prophet and the Nation of Israel

• Description: Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah, was chosen by God to deliver a prophetic message to Israel during a time of peace and prosperity that masked deep spiritual corruption.
• Main Points:
  • Unlikely Messenger – Amos was not a trained prophet or son of a prophet, but was called by God to speak.
  • Season of False Security – Israel misinterpreted geopolitical shifts and military strength as God’s divine favor.
• Scripture References: Amos 1:1; 7:14–15

Section 2: God’s Judgment Against the Nations and Israel

• Description: Amos pronounces God’s judgment on neighboring nations, Judah, and ultimately Israel, exposing the sin that demands divine intervention.
• Main Points:
  • A Contracting Circle – Judgment begins with distant nations and moves closer to Israel.
  • False Confidence – Israel rejoiced in the judgment of others, unaware they were also guilty of sin.
  • Divine Indictment – Israel is condemned for oppression, injustice, and perverting justice for personal gain.
• Scripture References: Amos 1:2–2:8

Section 3: Social Injustice and Religious Hypocrisy

• Description: Despite religious activity, Israel was condemned for systemic injustice and cruelty toward the poor, showing that ritual without righteousness is worthless.
• Main Points:
  • Exploitation of the Poor – Israel abused the vulnerable through dishonest practices and legal manipulation.
  • Corrupt Worship – Their outward religiosity masked a heart far from God, making their worship detestable.
  • Hardened Hearts – Persistent sin deceived the people into believing they were still in right standing with God.
• Scripture References: Amos 3:12; 5:4–5; 5:10–12; 5:21–24

Section 4: Visions of Divine Judgment

• Description: Amos receives five visions illustrating the nature and certainty of God’s coming judgment, showing both His mercy and His resolve to execute justice.
• Main Points:
  • Vision of the Locust Plague
    • A swarm of locusts threatens to devour the land, symbolizing destructive judgment.
    • Amos intercedes, and God relents.
  • Vision of Devouring Fire
    • Fire consumes the deep places of the earth, symbolizing an overwhelming, consuming judgment.
    • Again, Amos intercedes, and God relents.
  • Vision of the Plumb Line
    • This vision represents the captivity of Israel by the Assyrians.
    • God sets a plumb line in the midst of His people, representing His righteous standard.
    • There is no intercession or reprieve; judgment is declared inevitable.
  • Vision of the Basket of Summer Fruit
    • A basket of ripe fruit symbolizes that Israel is ripe for judgment.
    • God announces the certainty of judgment with no opportunity for escape.
    • This vision also represents the captivity of Israel by the Assyrians.
  • Vision of the Breaking of the Temple
    • God stands at the altar and commands the destruction of the temple.
    • This vision represents the collapse of false worship and the inescapability of divine justice.
• Scripture References: Amos 7:1–9; 8:1-14; 9:1-15

Section 5: The Promise of Restoration

• Description: Despite the severity of judgment, God remains faithful to His covenant, promising the restoration of David’s line and the inclusion of the Gentiles in His redemptive plan.
• Main Points:
  • Rebuilding the Ruins – God promises to raise up the fallen tabernacle of David.
  • Inclusion of the Nations – The Gentiles will be brought into God’s covenant blessings.
  • An Enduring Kingdom – Human efforts may fail, but God’s kingdom remains unshakable.
• Scripture References: Amos 9:11–12; Acts 15:16–18

Section 6: The Nature of Divine Judgment

• Description: Judgment in Amos is not portrayed as God actively destroying His people, but as God withdrawing His protection, allowing the consequences of sin and external attack to take effect.
• Main Points:
  • Withdrawing of Covering – God’s judgment often comes by lifting His hand, exposing His people to enemy forces.
  • Covenant Breach – Stepping outside of relationship with God removes His protection and opens the door to destruction.
  • Redemptive Intention – Even in judgment, God’s ultimate goal is to bring His people to restoration.

Conclusion

• Description: The message of Amos is a timeless call to repentance, justice, and authentic worship. God’s people must not confuse religious form with spiritual reality. Though judgment is real, God’s love is relentless, and restoration is always possible for those who return to Him.