BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Of all the nations, God blesses Israel with his presence, instruction, and partnership on a mission to bless every nation on Earth. He provides for them and promises to protect them always. However, to continue experiencing and expanding God’s good blessing, Israel must continue their partnership with Yahweh. When the Israelites found themselves in Egyptian slave shackles, God moved Heaven and Earth to break Egypt’s power. Now, the Israelites turn around and crush their own poor underfoot.

Under the rule of Jeroboam II, Israelite injustice reaches a breaking point. Rich families rack up gold by abusing and taking advantage of the poor. And for what? To blow it on glamorous cocktail parties. They wine and dine in swanky mansions while the workers they’ve cheated starve and shiver through the night. The well-dressed oppressors walk religiously to the altar the next morning, flaunting their sacrifices like all is well.

Yahweh intended for Israel to bless the world. When they choose to do harm instead, Yahweh addresses that head-on. In this case, he sends the shepherd prophet, Amos.

Amos delivers a severe warning. Public displays of righteousness cannot hide the darkness happening behind them. You can make sure everyone sees your sacrifices and rule-following. You may even gain status. But the show is a pretense. The facade won’t last.

Yahweh is not interested in hollow religion or rituals used to cover up wrongdoing. Watch the video to learn about Yahweh’s scathing critique of injustice in the book of Amos.

Reflection Questions

• Look back at the laws about taking someone’s cloak as collateral for a loan in Deuteronomy 24:10-18. How do these regulations help you understand Amos’ accusation against Israel in Amos 2:8?
• After you read through Amos 4, take a moment to compare this chapter to the covenant curses in Deuteronomy 28. What common images and themes do you notice? How do these hyperlinks help you understand today’s reading?