Translations
Original
Notes
Israel’s relationship with God was based on true devotion, which led to obedience (1 Samuel 15:22–23). Sacrifices symbolizing repentance and faith could mend a break caused by sin, but they could not replace living according to God’s word.
Israel wandered for 40 years in the wilderness after the rebellion at Kadesh-barnea (see Numbers 14:32–35).
The people of Israel claimed that God had to bless them because of the Sinai covenant (the agreement God made with them at Mount Sinai). However, Amos showed that from the very beginning of this covenant, they had continued to follow pagan practices rather than remain faithful to God.
Amos again confronts the religious hypocrisy and spiritual unfaithfulness of the Israelites. They practiced worship outwardly, but their lives did not match faithfulness to God (see Amos 4:4–5; Isaiah 1:10–20).
The pronouncements of sorrow in this section develop two main themes:
Israel’s apostasy (turning away from God) would make the day of the Lord a day of judgment, not salvation; and
Judah’s spiritual complacency (feeling satisfied and unconcerned about faithfulness to God) would also bring judgment.
Events
- Prophecies of Amosc. 788 BC
Parallels
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes