Amos 1:1-15
Q.1. Who was Amos? Where was he from? To whom did God send him? From where did his prophecies come? Why did he record an earthquake? – (Amos 1:1-2 c.f. Zech.14:4-5)
Amos was a shepherd from Tekoa near Jerusalem, who was sent primarily to deliver God’s Word to the northern kingdom of Israel. God spoke to Amos through a vision, from His throne in Jerusalem. The reference to an earthquake tied it to a real historical event which was also recorded by Zechariah – 4 In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. 5 You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him! (Zech.14:4-5). This reminds us that the return of Messiah is a real event.
Q.2. How did Amos begin his prophecies, in order to gain an audience? Does God ever overlook the sins of the nations? What will He do to Israel’s enemies? – (Amos 1:3-15)
The opening chapter of Amos would have drawn the attention of Israel since it told of the demise of all their enemies – Damascus (1:3); Gaza (1:6); Tyre (1:9); Edom (1:11); & Ammon (1:13). However, it also showed us that God keeps an accurate record of the sins of every nation. There is much injustice on earth. It can seem like powerful men and nations can do as they please. However, Amos repeated on behalf of God that – I will not revoke its punishment (Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, & 13). God explained why this must be so with each nation. He has recorded what they did, so therefore they will not escape punishment. For all those who have been unjustly treated – for the defenceless, the dispossessed, and martyrs, there is coming a day of justice.