Minor Prophets · Old Testament
The Book of Amos
God demands justice and righteousness, not empty religion.
- Author
- The prophet Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa
- Date
- c. 760–750 BC
- Chapters
- 9
- Genre
- Minor Prophets
Summary
Amos was a shepherd and farmer from Judah whom God sent to prophesy in the prosperous northern kingdom of Israel. He begins with judgments on the surrounding nations, then turns the spotlight on Israel itself.
Israel's wealth hid injustice: the poor were exploited and worship was empty ritual. Amos calls the people to "let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." Through a series of visions he announces judgment, but the book ends with a promise that God will restore David's fallen house.
Outline
- Chapters 1–2 — Judgment on the nations
- Chapters 3–6 — Messages to Israel
- Chapters 7–9 — Visions of judgment and the promise of restoration
Key Themes
JusticeRighteousnessTrue worshipJudgmentRestoration
Key Verses
Start reading AmosBut let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!