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| "AMOS' TEXT MESSAGE" by Carol Duerksen and Erica Stoltzfus | ||||||||||||
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BIBLE STUDY SESSION 109
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| INSIGHTS FROM THE SCRIPTURE Amos’ time of prophesy occurred during the divided monarchy when both Judah and Israel were quite prosperous and well off. Both were expanding their territories without causing conflicts with one another or being involved in any large military conflicts. They were quite well fortified and their armies were successful, so there was no reason for concern or worry during such a time of peace. However, Amos’ prophesies did come true in 722 BC and it is after this point that this book was probably written. The people of both Israel and Judah were living the high life during this period: business was good; religion was important, and all seemed well with the world. However, although there were many people prospering, many more were poor and being exploited by the wealthy members of society. Taxes and fines were a big burden for the average person and if they had a bad year it meant being sold into slavery to pay the debt. The judicial system was biased toward the wealthy members of society, restricting justice even more. How did things get in such shambles? For the Israelites, ethics had become separated from their religion. They were going to the temple and offering sacrifices, yet neglected to care for the concerns of the poor. This happened over time through misinterpretation of scripture. They thought of themselves as God’s favorite people instead of called for a mission to work for the will of God on earth. They had the idea that if good things were happening to them, God must certainly be on their side. Additionally they made God out to be much smaller than God is, leaving out his great power and sovereignty. Amos was likely one of the wealthy before he became a prophet. Scripture tells us that he was a sheep breeder, that is, a shepherd on a large scale. The only other use of this word is in reference to a king. However, Amos was called by God to cry out against the status quo. Amos agreed, but since he loved the people, he interceded for them until God made him stop. Background on Chapter Nine This vision of judgment and destruction is the fifth and final one in the book of Amos. However, the first four probably occurred at the beginning of his career, whereas this one is probably in the midst of it. Continued... |
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