9 Chapters. Author: Amos, first prophet to put prophecy in writing. 720BC. From the South (Judah), preaching to the North (Israel).
Structure:
Amos 7 - Amos asked God for forgiveness to his people. God in turn showed Amos, as if the "cost" of such, is the labor of the prophet and the attack on Amos' reputation by Amaziah, priest of Bethel.
Patterns:
Amos 4:6-11 ....yet you did not return to me," declares the LORD.
Verse Highlights (ESV):
Amo 2:12 "But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, 'You shall not prophesy.'
Today: 1. The true servants of God were treated with unholiness (within or without the church): e.g. talks of getting girlfriends, vain praises, etc. 2. "You shall not judge!"
Amo 3:3 "Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?
Today: A lot of church members/leaders assume too much. They think by mere participation or acquaintances, they are in the same circle with the anointed of God. There is an order and balance in the universe which God has created. Flattery and fake friendships will be exposed and the two shall not walk together.
Amo 5:13 Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.
Today: Many harbor the understanding that being quiet is the wisest choice. They are wrong. It is indolence. Another more likely meaning: We are such sinners that it will be wise not to simply dramatize our repentance or showing off of remorse. Be silent and consider what is truly good. Do not think that God will be soothed by mere acts of sacrifices and noisy songs (v. 23).
Amo 5:24 But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Martin Luther King's favorite verse.