Amos

Plumb line

Introduction

Amos is one of the three pre-Assyrian prophets, along with Hosea and Micah. He was a simple herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs (Amos 7:14). We see that northern Israel’s prophets are chiefly concerned with social justice (see Amos 1:11, 13, 2:6-7, 4:1-3, 5:7, 10-15 , 24, 6:12, 8:4-8), and not idolatry.

In fact, there are only a couple references to idolatry in the nine chapters of this book (Amos 2:8, 5:26).

Outline — Chapters 1 through 9

Chapters 1-2 are full of judgements towards seven nations that surround Israel. Chapters 3-6 Amos turns his attention to Northern Israel (the ten tribes). The prophet was rebuking Israel’s injustices, calling them to repetence, stating that God rejects their empty religious service (Amos 5:21-24). They were living in luxury, while people around them were being oppressed and suffering (Amos 6:1-8).

In chapter 7, we see a major metaphor arise in Amos and that is the plumb line, a tool used in construction to make sure buildings are being built straight. Its a standard for the builders to reference. The plumb line is God’s word, His righteous judgements. He determines how straight something is.

The prophet begins to be persecuted by Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, yet he continues to prophesy free from the fear of man.

In chapter 8, we see another major metaphor surface, a basket of summer fruit, signifying that the end has come. Why? There is some wordplay here: qayiṣ (summer) to qeṣ (end) may even have been pronounced identically in the dialect of the period. A similar interpretation is usually offered of šaqed (almond) and šoqed (watching) in Jer. 1:11–12.

In chapter 9, we see the book of severe judgement end in hope (Amos 9:11-15). God never leaves His people in despair, but is indeed the God of all hope (Romans 15:13).

Problems with Israel

Fat, wealthy women (cows of Bashan), who were dishonoring to their husbands and who got wealthy by oppressing the poor (Amos 4:1-3).

The men lived in luxury while they were surrounded by suffering people (Amos 6:1-8).

A heart that refuses to turn to the Lord; even with all His severe discipline (Amos 5:1-11).

They tormented the innocent, take bribes, and fail to give justice to the needy at the city gate (Amos 5:12). They did not hate evil, but loved it.

They offered religious service while neglecting social justice (Amos 5:21-24).

God as Judge

The word for judgement in Hebrew is Mishpat. It speaks of action and not just verdict. Judges in the Bible were individuals that actively pursued justice, making the wrong things right.