at a glance
author: Amos, a shepherd and fig grower.
date: About 760–750 BC.
setting: Some wealthy people in Israel were oppressing the poor.
verses to remember: Hear this word, people of Israel, the word the LORD has spoken against you—against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt: “You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins” (3:1–2).
theme to consider: Amos prophesied God’s judgment on Israel for their sins of idolatry and the oppression of the poor.
unchanging truth
When you see a commercial asking for money to help poor, starving people in other parts of the world, how do you feel? When you pass a homeless person begging for money, what are your thoughts? Perhaps you feel uncomfortable or helpless, unsure what to do or how to really help them.
God is concerned for the poor. Many of his laws focused on how his people should treat those less fortunate. They were never to take advantage of the poor.
Unfortunately, God’s people were not following his laws. The prophet Amos was sent from Judah to speak to the northern kingdom of Israel. The wealthy were oppressing the poor—trampling on them, denying them justice. These rich Israelites had forgotten their own history—that at one time, their ancestors had been destitute slaves in Egypt. Amos told these rich oppressors that they would again become slaves in a nation that would conquer them because of their sins.
No matter how much God has blessed you, he asks that you always have compassion for others. The girl at school who can’t afford trendy clothes is not to be teased, but befriended and treated kindly. The family in your church who can’t make ends meet is not to be snubbed, but shown respect. There may be ways for you to help by giving money or volunteering your time—but begin by learning to treat all people with fairness and respect. That is what God requires.
1. God has a plan for all nations of the earth. He rules over all (1:3–2:16).
2. God longs to show mercy to those who repent and return to him (5:4–6, 14–15).
3. If God has blessed you, don’t become arrogant and uncaring toward others. God judges such complacency (6:1–7).