Introduction
B. Messages of Judgment against Israel chs. 3-6
After announcing that God would judge Israel, Amos delivered five messages in which he explained more fully why God would judge the Northern Kingdom. Appeals for repentance and explanations of how to avoid judgment appear within these messages. The first three begin with the word, "Hear" (Amos 3:1; Amos 4:1; Amos 5:1; cf. Proverbs 8:32), and the last two begin "Alas" (Amos 5:18) and "Woe" (Amos 6:1), both translations of the Hebrew word hoy. The first message was explanation, the second accusation, and the third lamentation. [Note: Wiersbe, p. 348.]
1. The first message on sins against God and man ch. 3
Amos’ first message explained that God would judge His people because they had oppressed others in spite of their uniquely privileged relationship with Yahweh. The prophet addressed this message initially to both Israel and Judah (Amos 3:1-2), but he focused it mainly on Israel (Amos 3:9; Amos 3:12). The first two verses are a brief oracle that introduces the series of judgment pronouncements that continue through chapter 6.
Be the first to react on this!
