#XIX
Title: Amos
Book: The Daily Bible in Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings, New International Version (NIV) with devotional insights to Guide You through God’s Word.
Commentary: F. LaGard Smith.
Genre: Religion
Challenges: 100+, Read & Review, Operation Actually Read the Bible, Pages Read
Rating: B
Dates read: (6/20/09 - 6/22/09)
No. of pages - 6

Smith writes of Amos, the prophet - “In the days of Uzziah and Jeroboam II, God calls a lowly shepherd from Tekoa, near Bethleham in Judah, to prophesy against several nations, but principally against Israel. Amos comes to Israel at a time when Jeroboam’s great military successes have brought unparalleled prosperity, and with it selfishness, greed, and immorality. Although he comes to the center of calf worship at Bethel, he does not attack idolatry as such (as does his contemporary, Hosea). He concentrates instead on rebuking both Israel and Judah for the meaninglessness of their worship, whatever its form. He calls for consistency in one’s religious exercises and daily ethical conduct, and cries out against a people who honor deity with their many sacrifices yet refuse justice and mercy to the oppress and needy.

Amos’ message comes first in the from of eight “burdens” against various nations. Three sermons of judgment then follow, and an oracle containing five visions: of locusts, fire, a plumb line, ripe fruit, and the altar. Amos ends his writing with a message of hope and a promise of restoration.

It is not at all surprising that Amos is rebuked by Amaziah, the high priest, for it is, after all, the selfish religious establishment which has led the people into this institutionalized and meaningless form of religion.“