(1) Book Information

1.1 Title and Definition
• Title: Amos – named after the prophet Amos (Amos in Hebrew), meaning “burden” or “burden-bearer”
• Definition: A prophetic book that delivers a strong message of divine judgement against social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and covenantal unfaithfulness, calling the nation of Israel to repentance and righteousness

1.2 Authorship and Context
• Author: Attributed to Amos, a shepherd and fig tree farmer from Tekoa in Judah, called by God to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel
• When: Likely composed between 760 and 750 BC, during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel, a time of political stability and economic prosperity
• Audience: Primarily the northern kingdom of Israel, particularly its elites, priests, and ruling classes; also addresses neighbouring nations and Judah
• Purpose: To confront Israel’s complacency, idolatry, and injustice, declare imminent judgement, and reveal God’s expectation of moral righteousness over ritual religiosity

1.3 Literary and Thematic Features
• Literary and Rhetorical Features: Oracles of judgement, poetic laments, woe declarations, visionary symbolism, rhetorical questions, parallelism, and chiastic structures; known for sharp irony and moral clarity
• Key Themes: Justice and righteousness, divine sovereignty, social ethics, covenant accountability, false security, and the Day of the LORD
• Themes of Redemption and Christology
○ Amos 9:11–12, the prophecy of the restoration of David’s fallen tent, is quoted in Acts 15:16–18 to affirm the inclusion of the Gentiles in Christ
○ The call for justice to “roll on like a river” (Amos 5:24) resonates with the ethics of Jesus and the Gospel’s demand for inner transformation
○ The judgement and restoration motifs reflect Christ’s dual roles as Judge and Redeemer
• Symbolism and Imagery
○ Plumb line, fire, locusts, and baskets of fruit symbolise God’s judgement
○ The roaring lion (Amos 1:2) signifies divine authority and inescapable justice
○ Agricultural metaphors contrast abundance with coming desolation

1.4 Canonical and Interconnected Significance
• Structure: Structured into oracles against the nations (ch. 1–2), judgement against Israel (ch. 3–6), five visions of judgement (ch. 7–9), and a final promise of restoration (9:11–15)
• Canonical Significance: Part of the Twelve Minor Prophets; pivotal in emphasising the ethical dimensions of covenant theology and foundational to biblical social justice themes
• Interconnections
○ Related Books: Closely aligned with Hosea (northern prophecy), Micah (social justice), and Isaiah (ethical monotheism)
○ Connections to the Old Testament: Echoes Deuteronomy’s covenantal blessings and curses; draws on Exodus themes of justice and liberation
○ Connections to the New Testament: Quoted in Acts; themes of justice, inclusion, and divine mercy connect to Christ’s teachings and Paul’s theology
○ Prophetic and Messianic References: The rebuilding of David’s kingdom (Amos 9:11) points to the messianic reign fulfilled in Jesus
○ Connections with Judaism: Amos is cited in rabbinic literature as a moral and prophetic voice; used in synagogue readings focused on social ethics
○ Connections with Islam: While Amos is not mentioned in the Qur’an, themes of divine justice and moral accountability align with Islamic principles
• Key Passages or Verses: Amos 3:3 – “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?”
Amos 4:12 – “Prepare to meet your God”
Amos 5:24 – “Let justice roll on like a river”
Amos 8:11 – “A famine… of hearing the words of the LORD”
Amos 9:11 – “I will restore David’s fallen shelter”

(2) Characters

2.1 Main Figures and Their Roles
• Role of Authors: Amos acts as a bold outsider who confronts the religious and political elite with uncompromising messages of divine justice
• Who are the Main Characters: Amos, the people of Israel, the priests at Bethel (notably Amaziah), God as righteous Judge, and nations including Edom, Moab, and Damascus

2.2 Roles in Theological Framework
• The Role of God
○ The Father – Just, omnipotent, and covenantal; expects ethical behaviour and punishes systemic injustice
○ The Son – Foreshadowed in the promise of Davidic restoration and the universal call to righteousness
○ The Holy Spirit – Implied in the prophetic inspiration and spiritual urgency to reform
• The Role of Priests, Prophets, and Kings: Priests are often complicit in corruption; Amos contrasts true prophecy with institutionalised religion
• Role of the Church: Embodies the prophetic call for justice, righteousness, and compassion; models integrity in proclaiming God’s truth to power
• Role of Men and Women: The book critiques both societal leaders and everyday citizens for injustice and complacency

(3) Background

3.1 Geographical, Historical, and Cultural Context
• Geographical Context: Israel (particularly Bethel and Samaria), Judah, and surrounding nations; Tekoa (Amos’s hometown) in southern Judah
• Historical Context: A time of relative peace and prosperity, but marked by inequality, idolatry, and moral decay under King Jeroboam II
• Cultural Context: Religion had become formalistic and disconnected from ethical living; prosperity bred arrogance and neglect of the poor

3.2 Broader Context and Practices

1. Broader Context of the Ancient Near East: Wealth disparity and religious syncretism were common; Amos challenges these with covenantal ethics
2. Influence of Israel’s Neighbours: Pagan practices infiltrated Israel’s worship; alliances with unjust nations compromised spiritual integrity
3. Cultural and Ethical Influences: Amos critiques corrupt judiciary, exploitative economies, and false religiosity
4. Cultural Practices
   ○ Lavish worship festivals lacking moral substance
   ○ Dispossession of the poor, bribery, and legal corruption
   ○ Overconfidence in national identity and temple rituals

(4) Theological and Historical Significance

1. The Book as a Theological Bridge: Bridges ethical monotheism with prophetic critique; sets the stage for deeper theological reflection in later prophets
2. Theological Significance: Elevates social justice as a divine mandate; emphasises God’s universal rule and impartial judgement
3. Spiritual Themes: Justice, repentance, divine sovereignty, false worship, covenantal accountability, and hopeful restoration
4. Key Lessons for Faith and Practice: God demands justice over ritual. Prosperity does not equal divine favour. True worship must be ethical and compassionate
5. The Book in Christian Theology: Fundamental to liberation theology, ethics, and public theology; shapes Christian thought on justice and social responsibility
6. Historical Reception: Revered by social reformers and prophets of justice; cited in speeches by figures like Martin Luther King Jr.

(5) Interfaith and Cultural Perspectives

1. Literary Unity with the Torah (or Canon): Reinforces the ethical imperatives of the Law; mirrors the covenantal expectations of Deuteronomy and Leviticus
2. The Book in Jewish Tradition: Used to emphasise justice and moral conduct in synagogue readings; foundational in prophetic ethical teachings
3. Connections with Islam: Themes of justice, divine retribution, and moral accountability resonate with Islamic views of God and prophecy
4. Influence on Western Civilisation: Inspired reform movements, human rights discourse, and cultural expressions of resistance against oppression
5. Scientific Perspectives: Used in studies on ethics, sociology of religion, and theology of justice; relevant to ecological and economic justice movements
6. Global Perspective: Speaks powerfully to contexts of inequality, systemic injustice, and corruption; remains a prophetic voice for oppressed communities worldwide

(6) Ethical, Practical, and Philosophical Insights

1. Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations: While less prominent, Amos has been interpreted spiritually as the call to internal purification and righteous living
2. Comparative Mythology: Stands apart by emphasising moral and ethical requirements over ritual or fate; Israel’s God is relational and just
3. Ethical and Philosophical Reflections: Challenges utilitarianism and superficial religiosity; affirms the intrinsic value of justice and equity
4. Ethical Teachings and Practical Applications
   ○ Champion justice and oppose exploitation
   ○ Live with integrity regardless of social standing
   ○ Prioritise moral action over religious appearance
   ○ Advocate for the marginalised and voiceless
5. Relevance to Contemporary Issues and Ongoing Relevance: Speaks to economic inequality, political corruption, social injustice, and religious hypocrisy; widely relevant to ethical leadership and civic responsibility

(7) Interpretative and Theological Challenges

1. Interpretative Challenges: Understanding historical references, balancing universal and national messages, and interpreting restoration promises
2. Theological Debates: The role of Israel’s election in light of judgement, the nature of the Day of the LORD, and the extent of Gentile inclusion
3. Key Questions Addressed: What does God require of His people? How does God respond to injustice? Can religious practice be separated from moral life? What is the hope for restoration after judgement?