Amos

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.

The book of Amos was written by the shepherd, farmer (7:14) and prophet Amos, during the time that Uzziah was King of Judah and Jeroboam II was king of Israel (1:1). It was written to both Israel and Judah (3:1, 5:1, 6:1), in Israel (7:10) for the purpose of showing the sin amongst them- most specifically injustices they are committing (1:3-2:16) and to get them to stop sinning against each other (Chapters 4 & 5). It points a majoring of the nations and even points fingers at Israel as if to say, “Yes, Israel! YOU are just as bad!”. He called and called but yet they did not answer (4:6,8,9,10,11)

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

He punishes because He loves (3:2), He is persistent (4:6,8,9,10,11, 5:4b), He is creator (4:13), He seeks justice (5:24), and He's merciful when intercession takes place (7:3,6). At some point He can't put up with rebellion and disobedience anymore, grace seems to run out and punishment is in due order (8:2).

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

We see a lot of prophesy about destruction and punishment in Amos until the last chapter where He puts Israel in it's place and says, “I brought Israel out of Egypt, but I also brought the Philistines from Crete and led the Arameans out of Kir.” (9:7-8) meaning that He is God of all people, not just them! He says He will destroy the sinful nation of Israel but never completely (9:8). And in 8:14 He says that He will bring the exiled people of Israel back from distant lands, and they will rebuild their ruined cities and live in them again.