Amos / week 3

Read Amos 7 -9. Answer the following questions for class.

Amos 7 1. The “locusts” (Amos 7:1) are the first of several images that Amos uses to describe God’s judgment in this chapter. Why are locusts an effective illustration for judgment (Exodus 10:13- 15; Joel 1:4)? 2. What is the second image of judgment that God shows Amos in Amos 7:4? What is the third image of judgment (Amos 7:7-8)? What is this third image meant to communicate? How does this image relate to the emphasis on “justice and righteousness” in Amos (Isaiah 28:17)? 3. Why would Amos plead on behalf of Israel (Amos 7:2b and 5)? Did God really change His mind (Amos 7:3 and 6; Psalm 106:44-45)? Does this undermine His sovereignty or omniscience (1 Samuel 15:29)? Why did Amos not plead a third time? 4. Like Jeroboam and Amaziah, have you ever been confronted with a truth that you didn’t want to hear (Proverbs 27:6)? What happened and how did you respond? Why is it so difficult to receive truth like this when it’s spoken to us? 5. What does God promise to do in response to Jeroboam and Amaziah’s pride and disbelief (Amos 7:17)? Is this language too strong? Why would God promise such awful things to the leaders of His people Israel (Ezekiel 34:2)?

Amos 8 1. Notice through chapter 8 (and the entire book for that matter) that God is referred to as the “Sovereign LORD” (NIV) or the “Lord GOD” (NASB). Why would Amos use these terms together? How would this have gotten Israel’s attention (Amos 8:1, 3, 9, and 11)? 2. Look closely at Amos 8:4-6. What specifically had the leaders of Israel done? Why was this behavior so offensive to God (Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Proverbs 11:1)? How are we tempted to do the same thing today? 3. What sort of “famine” does Amos describe in Amos 8:11-13? How depressing is this prospect? Why would God keep His covenant people from finding His word when they seek it (see also Ezekiel 7:26; 20:3)?

4. Do you realize that you have the living, active, and inspired word of God at your fingertips all the time (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)? How often do you take advantage of opportunities to seek God’s word throughout the week?

Amos 9

1. Is the “altar” in Amos 9:1 located in the temple in Jerusalem? Is it the altar at Bethel (1 Kings 12:29-30)? Is it another “symbolic” altar? Why was God promising to destroy this temple and its altar?

2. Where can sinful Israel go to escape God’s judgment (Amos 9:2-4)? Do God's omnipotence and omnipresence frighten you or bring you comfort (Psalm 139:7-10)? Explain how these attributes can produce two opposing reactions.

3. Where is “Sheol” or “the grave” (Amos 9:2; Psalm 16:10)? What is meant by the sea“serpent” (Amos 9:3; Job 41:1-2; Isaiah 27:1)? Why is God described so terribly in these verses (especially Amos 9:5)?

4. Why does Amos liken Israel to other Gentile nations (Cush/Ethiopia, Philistia, etc.; Amos 9:7)? How do these verses highlight the sovereign rule of God (1 Chronicles 29:11-12)?

5. Will God destroy the sinful nation of Israel or not (Amos 9:8)? Is He being inconsistent in His promise? If everyone in Israel is to be “shaken” or judged, will anyone be saved? Who will be killed (Amos 9:10)? How does God distinguish between those who die and those who don’t?

6. What does God promise to do in Amos 9:11? Why does He promise to do this (Amos 9:12)? Why does James quote these verses in Acts 15:15-17? How does Jesus Christ connect to the hope of the nation of Israel (2 Samuel 7:12; Matthew 21:9)?

7. Why does Amos use “vineyard” and planting imagery to describe Israel’s restoration (Amos 9:13-15; Jeremiah 24:6-7; Genesis 13:15-17)? If these verses were written to the people of Israel, what is the message of hope for us (Revelation 21:2-3)?