How to Read Amos

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Perhaps because he was a farmer, Amos used a plan writing style, filled with strong country language. The organization of his book is clear too: chapters 1-2 line up the Middle Eastern nationsfor trial, chapters 3-6 give a series of messages from God (usually beginning with "Hear this word"), and the last three chapters convey God's judgement through five graphic visions.
Throughout, Amos sticks close to his main concern: cruelty and inhumanity between people. The injustices Amos condemns often sound familiar today. As you read ask yourself, " What would Amos say about me and about my people?"
It is a good idea to read Amos and Hosea together, for they give two views of the same situation. A visitor from the South, Amos was shocked by the injustices he saw in every market place. Hosea emphasized the inner dimension, an abused relationship to a loving God.
Amos predicted that Israel would be punished, and his prediction proved right. After King Jeroboam, he government deteriorated. Five kings took the throne in he next 13 years; four were assassinated. In 30 years Israel was permanently dismantled by Assyrian armies. For historical background, read 2 Kings 14:23-17:41, noting that the kings of both Israel and Judah are interspersed.

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