Amos Prophesied To The Northern Kingdom Of Israel

Introduction to Amos Amos prophesied to the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the eight-century B.C.. During such time, God spoke to his people through four prophets: Amos, Hosea, Isaiah, and Micah; Amos and Hosea prophesied in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, while Isaiah and Micah prophesied in the Southern Kingdom. Amos’ message consisted of five types of information: sayings given by Amos, prophetic visions, a record of Amaziah’s rebuttal to Amos, an ancient hymn, and the title. All of which communicated God’s demand for solitary worship and the punishment coming to unrepentant sinners because of their disobedience. In chapters 1-2, the author describes the wrath of God coming upon pagan nations and Judah; in chapter 3, the author continued

King Uzziah reigned over the Southern Kingdom from 783 to 742 B.C; Jeroboam reigned from 786-746 B.C. Thus, provides an interval of 783-746 B.C. for Amos’ ministry. Fortunately, the date of Amos’ ministry is further evidenced by the phrase “two years before the earthquake” in 1:1. Smith and Page suggested that the earthquake in question likely occurred during the early 760’s in the region of Hazor, near the Sea of Gennesarat. Furthermore, the earthquake occurred concurrent with an eclipse of the sun, evidenced by the phrases “because of this will not the land quake…” and "I will make the sun go down at noon and make the earth dark in broad daylight” found in Amos 8:7-9. In addition, history records an eclipse of the sun occurring near Palestine on June 15, 763 B.C. Therefore, Amos’ ministry occurred in the Northern Kingdom of Israel between 761-759

For example, Yahweh prophesied through Amos against Jeroboam, saying, “Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from this land” (7:11). Political leaders replied, “…never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple for the kingdom” (7:13). Political leaders forbade all prophets and worshippers alike from speaking against the king and other political (and military) leaders. Many Israelites looked upon Jeroboam with favor consequent to his work to bring the nation out of persecution and into prosperity. In fact, the nation’s fortitude caused its residence to become prideful; consequently, they felt a sense of superiority, authority, and power over other nations. Therefore, Amos’ statement, “an adversary shall surround the land and bring down your defenses from you, and your strongholds shall be plundered” seemed preposterous to the Israelites. However, the oppression of the poor and the luxurious lifestyles of the affluent sickened Amos. Throughout Amos’ ministry, he realized that Israel no longer lived in accordance with the Scriptures, but according to self-established regulations. Eventually, sin and self-promotion distorted the Israelite’s understanding of right and wrong (3:9-10); with some believing their oppressive acts were