While reading Amos which mainly speaks about impending judgment, the last portion of the book prophesying the future restoration of David’s fallen tent gives hope.
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.
Amos 9:11-12, KJV
The book of Amos is written during a prosperous time of both Israel (northern kingdom) and Judah (southern kingdom), before their exile.
Please refer to 1 Kings 12:20 article, for a recap on how Israel divided into two: northern and southern kingdoms, and their exile.
During that time both kings had long reigns, for many years, around 50 plus years.
Jeroboam II reigned over Israel, between 793-753 BC.
While Uzziah (also called Azariah) reigned over Judah, between 792-740 BC.
However, Amos a southern prophet from Judah, mainly addresses the northern Israelites on their sins.
Although in Amos 1-2:3, God addresses the surrounding nations for their iniquities and impending judgement.
And in Amos 2:4-5, He also addresses Judah, for not keeping His commandments.
The remaining Amos 2:5-16, is an opening summary to Israel of judgement on their sins. Which are mainly syncretism (worshipping both Yahweh and pagan gods), and social injustice, in Amos 2:6-8.
Please refer to 1 Sam 1:5 article, for Israel’s history of flirtation with idolatry / syncretism.
Amos 3, 4, 5, then elaborates on their sins and punishments, in three oracles, one per chapter opening with “Hear this word”.
And that he will send them (northern kingdom), into exile, Amos 5:5,27.
Two woe oracles condemning Israel’s false security based on religion / being religious (Amos 5:18-27), and prosperity (Amos 6:1-4).
Indeed we can learn here that being religious, e.g; going to church weekly and serving, does not mean God is pleased with us.
Neither, when God prospers us with wealth, does it mean He is pleased with us.
In fact, we see the opposite here, that in the midst of Israel and Judah’s blessings: a high and prosperous period, God is in fact not happy with them, and announces a blowing judgement.
Moving on, are five visions God gave prophet Amos.
The first two visions are found in Amos 7.
The first one is in Amos 7:1-6, indicating the the coming judgement would not be like the former ones, but involving total destruction.
The second one is in Amos 7:7-9, indicating the the king and his sanctuary would not be spared too from desolation.
The third one happened with king Jeroboam II’s priest: Amaziah (Amos 7:10-17).
The final two visions are found in 8:1-9:10, also about destruction.
But looking beyond the exile of Israel and also Judah, we come to the final segment of hope in Amos 9:11-15.
That God will restore his people back one day, with abundance like the days of old during David, and a bright future lies ahead!
Please refer to Hos 6:2 article.
