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[[File:Amos.jpg|right|thumb| A minor prophet with a major message.]]


== Amos ==

Amos prophesied during the reign of [[Jeroboam II]], King of Israel, and of Uzziah of Judah, which places him in the first half of the 8th century BC. 

Amos appears to be from Tekoa, a town in Judah south of Jerusalem, but his prophetic mission was in the northern kingdom. He is called a "shepherd" and a "dresser of sycamore trees".

The writing suggests he was a man of education rather than a poor farmer.

He also appears to have utilized an ancient hymn within his prophecy.<Ref>Chapter  [[Amos 4]].13; [[Amos 5]].8–9; [[Amos 8]].8; [[Amos 9]].5–6.</Ref> He appears that he is repeating the prophecy from the  Book of [[Joel]] which makes sense because it was such a common theme of creation and man's relationship with God and the [[world]] man creates for himself.

We live in a cause and effect universe and the rules are built into creation along with the consequences for pursuing a path contrary to [[The Way]]. The [[prophets]] are men who see the patterns in these rules and how they apply to their times. Each generation is often repeating the same errors by creating the same essential [[elements]] generation after generation.


== The Prologue ==

Amos proceeds with a series of denunciations of the surrounding nations beginning because of their resistance, cruelty, and seared conscience. He mentions Syria, Philistia and the Phoenician cities of commerce in the world. Amos wrote that he was "among the herdmen of Tekoa" but the word Tekoa<Ref>{{08620}}</Ref> has a variety of meanings and appears as MemTavKufVavAyin  מִתְּק֑וֹעַ only in that verse. Is Amos simply writing about places or is revealing principles? Is he an historian or a prophet, or merely a shepherd of sheep with a personal opinion?

He also reviews at least three tribes, or nations, more closely and their conflict with the people who did seek to follow the way of God. Is he denouncing Israel or those who should be [[Israel]]?

The book of Amos puts his people on the same level as their surrounding nations. The God of creation requires the same purity, morals and ethics from which there is no escape.

All nations or people that rise up against the [[kingdom of God]] and the precepts upon which it functions, even those calling themselves Israel or Judah will not be exempt from the consequences or the judgment of God built into creation. 

Understanding what [[idolatry]]  is and learning to distinguish between unjust ways and [[The Way]] of [[righteousness]] is key to a successful out come for any and all societies.

Any nation or people that represents YHWH, His Name/personality will be made protected from anything or anyone that profanes, functions contrary to the ''name or identity or Character of God''. God's name must be exalted for the people to be exalted to something that might be called [[eternal life]]. 

An example of a way that would produce the opposite results is what [[Polybius]] speaks of concerning the people ''degenerating'' into [[perfect savages]] when they become accustomed to living at the expense of others and depending for their livelihood on the property of others.

To understand the message of Amos it is important to understand the context of the prophet in the apostasy of Israel and false Christianity. What were the purposes of institutions of the [[Levites]] and priests and why was there such a problem with the King burning [[incense]] in the temple?

"The Day of the Lord" is simply that point at which the consequences of doing contrary to the formula for eternal life catches up with a people or nation. Those who understand the true meaning of these prophecies can see the process as it unfolds and may provide for it. But the most important thing is to [[turn away]] from the systems of [[idolatry]], the [[covetous practices]], and the [[greed]] and [[avarice]] that accompanies them.


== Summary ==

=== [[Amos 1]] ===

Introduces Amos as a shepherd warning the people of repeated transgression are bringing an effect. The places mentioned are poetic representations of spiritual  vices and virtues(See comments verse 5). Returning to the ''captivity of Edom'' and ''remembered not the brotherly covenant''. 

=== [[Amos 2]] ===

Listing more repeated transgressions and their consequences. Many elements of society will degenerate, fail to warn the people and the people will be so weakened and easily frightened that they will not be able to protect themselves.

=== [[Amos 3]] ===

The people return to [[Egypt]] and the [[Levites]] who should belong to God have ''[[horns of the altar]] shall be cut off, and fall to the ground.'' And the great houses shall have an end.

=== [[Amos 4]] ===

The whole body of ''watchmen'' for Israel fail to warn the people. God sends warnings to the people like those of Egypt and Sodom but they fail to return to his system of [[freewill offerings]] where there would be [[fruit]]fulness.

=== [[Amos 5]] ===

Captivity will come again because of your [[sloth]] in sacrifices and because you gave more power to your kings to take and take [[tribute]]. You will [[cry out]] but God will not [[hear]] you as warned in [[1 Samuel 8]].

=== [[Amos 6]] ===

They became [[sloth]]ful in [[righteousness]] and self indulgent showing no [[mercy]] or heart for their brother. Where the [[weightier matters]] are neglected and the river of faith dries up and no longer flows.

=== [[Amos 7]] ===

=== [[Amos 8]] ===

=== [[Amos 9]] ===


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== Footnotes ==

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