“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Sometimes known as the “social justice prophet,” Amos urges Israel to return to worshiping God — not through sacrifices and festivals but by redistributing wealth to the poor and caring for the innocent.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Amos was a shepherd and keeper of a sycamore-fig grove who lived in Judah, though his book was targeted to the idolatrous people of the northern kingdom of Israel. Amos’s dominant theme is a call for social justice.
- Category: Prophets
- Theme: Judgment
- Timeline: Possibly ca. 750 BC
- Written: Attributed to Amos
Key Verse
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” — Amos 5:24 (NIV)
Sin, Judgment, and Restoration
Amos addresses Israel’s two primary sins:
- An absence of true worship.
- A lack of justice.
Israel’s apostasy is promised divine judgment. Because of His covenant, however, the Lord will not abandon Israel, but will bring future restoration to a righteous remnant.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here is a seven-day guide to the prophets Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah.
(See 30-day guide with all Minor Prophets below.)
- Day 1: Amos 1-2
- Day 2: Amos 3-4
- Day 3: Amos 5-6
- Day 4: Amos 7-8
- Day 5: Amos 9 and Obadiah
- Day 6: Jonah 1-2
- Day 7: Jonah 3-4
A Bad Deal
“The Israelites exchanged their focus, attention, and affection for God with the false gods of the Canaanites. When this happened, they lost their peace.” — Joel Muddamalle, Finding Peace Through Humility
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.