Amos Introduction
Introduction
When the nation of Israel was divided, Israel became the northern kingdom. Judah was the southern kingdom. Israel had become very powerful under the long rule of King Jeroboam II. That was about 800 years before Jesus the Messiah was born. Israel had put its trust in its own military strength and wealth. Everything was going well for them. They acted like they loved God when they worshiped. But they didn’t really love him in their hearts. They thought that since God was with them in the past, he had to be with them now. They expected the day of the Lord would come. They thought it would bring them blessings. They thought God would make Israel the ruler of all the nations around it.
The prophet Amos came into this situation. He was a farmer and shepherd. He lived in the southern kingdom of Judah. But God called Amos to be a prophet. And Amos was to speak to the people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos announces that God is preparing a nation to conquer Israel. Amos tells Israel that the day of the Lord will be darkness not light. God is not pleased that they live thinking only of themselves.
Amos tells Israel that God sees what they do. They take advantage of the poor. They think only of themselves. God wants them to do what is fair and right. God is calling Israel to repent. That is the only way they will not be punished and defeated. Amos’ message causes the people of Israel to be very upset. They charge Amos with treason and he is sent away.
But Amos’ speeches and visions are written down. Amos is one of the earliest sets of writings from any of the prophets. The book of Amos has one main message. The Lord wants us to treat others fairly and to do what is right.
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Amos Introduction: NIrV
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Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®
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