Amos- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Amos
• Audience: Amos
• Original Hebrew Name: עמוֹס
• Translated Greek Name: Ἀμώς
• Common English Name: Amos
• Transliteration: Amos
• Meaning: Burdensome
• Date Created: c 771 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 813-730 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Amos
  • Amaziah
  • Jeroboam
• Key Themes:
  • The judgment upon Israel (Amos 1:1-2:16)
  • The sins that resulted in judgment (Amos 3:1-6:14)
  • The visions of judgment (Amos 7:1-9:15)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  The book of Amos may be among the first of the books written by the prophets. This book of historical narrative and prophecy focuses on the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of King Jeroboam II.  As political stability and financial prosperity soared during this period, Israel's faithfulness to G-d plummeted.  Idolatry, corruption, and oppression of the poor were common.  Amos delivers G-d's stinging rebuke for the nation's apostasy and injustice.  At the same time, He sounds a call to repentance that echoes throughout time and conveys G-d's message of His faithfulness in the face of those who are unfaithful to Him.

• Location Created: unknown
• Content Location: Bethel, Samaria
• Teaches:
  • Everyone answers to G-d.
  • Complacency leads to sin.
  • When the poor are oppressed, G-d responds.
  • True obedience to G-d comes from the heart.
• Chapters: 9
• Verses: 146