Amos the Prophet
Category: Endurance in truth-telling & justice preaching
Could avoid: Remain a shepherd and sycamore fig farmer in Judah.
“I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees.” (Amos 7:14)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 4:10; 1 Corinthians 1:26–27.
Chose: Obeyed God’s call to prophesy in Israel.
“But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” (Amos 7:15)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 1:7; Matthew 28:19–20.
Endured: Opposition from Amaziah the priest, rejection by Israel’s leaders.
“Then Amaziah said to Amos, ‘Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah.’” (Amos 7:12)
Cross-Refs: 1 Kings 22:27; Acts 7:52.
Why: Zeal for God’s justice and truth.
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5:24)
Cross-Refs: Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23.
Result: Message preserved, warning became timeless call for justice.
“Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 1:1–2; Revelation 10:7.
The Faithful Remnant
Category: Endurance in judgment & hope of restoration
Could avoid: Despair and blend into wickedness.
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘As a shepherd rescues from the lion’s mouth only two leg bones or a piece of an ear, so will the Israelites be rescued.’” (Amos 3:12)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 10:20–22; Romans 11:5.
Chose: Seek the LORD and live.
“Seek the LORD and live, or he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire.” (Amos 5:6)
Cross-Refs: Deuteronomy 30:19–20; Hebrews 11:6.
Endured: Corrupt leadership, social injustice, exile threats.
“There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts.” (Amos 5:12)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 1:23; James 5:4.
Why: Believed God’s mercy would restore His people.
“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you.” (Amos 5:14)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11–12.
Result: Promise of restoration and renewal.
“I will bring my people Israel back from exile. They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them.” (Amos 9:14)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 29:14; Acts 15:16–17.
The Opposing Priest (Amaziah – Negative Example)
Category: Resistance to God’s word
Could avoid: Oppose God’s prophet for political gain.
“Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel: ‘Amos is raising a conspiracy against you.’” (Amos 7:10)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 26:8–9; John 11:47–48.
Chose: Tried to silence Amos.
“Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah.” (Amos 7:12)
Cross-Refs: 2 Chronicles 36:16; Acts 4:18.
Endured (consequence): God’s judgment pronounced on his house.
“Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword.” (Amos 7:17)
Cross-Refs: 1 Samuel 2:31–34; Galatians 6:7.
Why (wrongly): Served political power rather than God.
“The land cannot bear all his words.” (Amos 7:10)
Cross-Refs: John 15:18–19; 2 Timothy 4:3–4.
Result: His household judged, showing danger of resisting truth.
“Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land.” (Amos 7:17)
Cross-Refs: Hosea 9:17; Acts 7:51.