For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

Introduction

• Israel: instead of viewing themselves as belonging exclusively to God, they viewed God as belonging exclusively to them. (See also 3:2.)
• This next section in the book of Amos serves as a bridge between the seven shorter oracles against the nations and the longer series of oracles against Israel, including a number of themes, such as:
  • mistreatment of the poor
  • corruption of worship
  • opposition to the ministry of the prophets
  • the inescapable judgment by earthquake

The oracle against Israel

• 6-7a    Oppressing the poor.
• 7b        Cult prostitution and incest (Leviticus 18). We see male cult prostitutes even in Israel (1 Kings 14:24)
• 8a        Heavy-handed loans. Garments were to be returned by the evening (Deuteronomy 24:12)!
• 8b        Drinking problems (a common theme in the prophets, esp. charged against religious leaders).
• Application: business ethics, concern for the impoverished, sexual sin, drug & alcohol abuse.
• 9-10     God led his people out of Egypt into Canaan. With privilege comes responsibility. They've forgotten God's salvation (2 Peter 1:10)..
• 11-12   They opposed the prophets and Nazirites (Numbers 6).
• 13-16   The judgment:
  • No way to get up! Crushing, irrevocable pressure.
  • No escape, regardless of one's speed, military prowess, and courage.
  • The surprise: Israel has become a foreign nation to Yahweh.

Conclusion

• “A perversion of the true faith is always more evident in other denominations or religions than it is in our own. But worst of all, we can always detect abuses in the actions of others more easily than we can in our own actions. Amos held up the mirror to Israel…” (Peter Craigie, Daily Study Bible 145)
• How does this apply to me? Some penetrating questions:
  • If I'm critical of members of other groups, is it possible I’m oblivious to the moral failures, doctrinal omissions, and other shortcomings of my own group?
  • Am I aware of the plight of the poor? When is the last time I read a book on this subject? Do I make purchases without thinking where the product came from -- perhaps from companies that exploit the poor, or don't pay a fair wage?
  • Is my conscience desensitized towards hypocrisy in my own fellowship?
  • Do I have a clear understanding of the big picture of Old Testament history?

Advanced:

• In 2:6-16 there is no explicit mention of fire as in 1:4,7,10,12,14; 2:2,5. The fire of judgment is nevertheless implicit.
• Amorite is a virtual synonym of Canaanite.
• For more about the Nazirites:
  • Listen to the Samson podcast at this website.
  • Read the relevant chapter in Principle-Centered Parenting.