The Basics: A Brief Overview of the Book of Amos
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
1.) Introduction
2.) Who wrote it
3.) When did they write it
4.) Key topics
5.) Key sections
6.) Books that interact with each other
7.) Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Amos
INTRODUCTION:
The book of Amos and the author himself reveals the Lord’s character. The book is regarding the judgement of nations and the Jewish nations Israel and Judah. However, the book also reveals God’s plan of restoration for His people, Israel, in the Last Days and the End Times. God’s character is revealed to show that He keeps His promises and is capable of bringing about the unimaginable. This book also reveals God’s character through the individual Amos. Amos comes from nothing important through the eyes of this world. However, to God Amos is the man of the hour to reveal God’s plan for the coming ages. From Shepherd to Prophet, God takes what the world declares to be insignificant and makes it priceless.
WHO WROTE IT:
The book of Amos is named after its author Amos.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
The beginning of the book directly points to the time of when Amos is written. We know that King Uzziah and Jeroboam II are reigning. Thus, we know that the book was written around 793–753 B.C.
KEY TOPICS:
The key topic of Amos is judgement on the nations, the Jewish nations, and the restoration of the Jewish people.
KEY SECTIONS:
The book can easily be divided into three sections. The first is the judgement of nations, being mostly chapter 1. The second section is judgement of Israel and Judah found in chapter 2 through part of chapter 9. The final part is the future restoration of the Jewish people during the 1,000 years which finishes up chapter 9 in the book of Amos.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
Amos connects to many books of the Bible such as Psalms, Ezra, Zechariah, Haggai, and Revelation. However, it also has supporting information for the book of Matthew. Both deal with the Jewish people, as well as judgement and salvation.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
Not as small as some of the other books of the Bible, yet Amos is unfortunately skipped by many! When reading the book, you should first consider Malachi 3:6, “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” Many believe that Amos gives evidence of God being done with the Jewish nation. But Amos is in fact showing that God is dealing with sin. His promises to the Jewish people are not all yet fulfilled, and God owes them those promises. That is why the end of Amos is so amazing, God is providing a glimpse of a time when the Jewish people will flourish and be resoundingly sold out for Jesus Christ.
Amos also describes God’s issue with nations that do not treat His people right, even when His people are not behaving themselves. This is important for us to understand. His promises are standing to this very day, do not for a moment think that God has laid aside the Jewish people for something else. Amos is a subtle reminder of God’s declaration to the world that we are to treat His people with respect. As Christians today (of which most are gentiles) what does this mean to us? It means we need to follow the Word of God, love those around us, and support the Jewish people Biblically. Amos is a book that shares the view of God to the world in a unique way that if read with careful attention, you can see how much God loves us to send His Son to deal with the sin He detests in our life.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL