Redemption in Amos

Like most of the prophetic books of the Hebrew scriptures, the prophecy of Amos contains God's word of judgment. In chapters 1 and 2, Yahweh roars in judgment as a lion. Israel cheered as Amos pronounced woes on the nations surrounding Israel. Aram, Philistia, Phoenicia, Edom, Ammon, Moab, and even Judah all deserved God's wrath because of sin. The bullseye then focused on Israel because of sin. Chapters 3-6 give the reasons for God's judgment.

Is there any hope for redemption in the book of Amos? Bryan Schneider wrote, “The serious tone changes as a ray of hope bursts forth in [Amos] chapter 9:11” (“Amos: The Lion Roars & Redeems” at gentlereformation.com). That promising verse reads, ““On that day I will raise up the fallen shelter of David, and wall up its gaps; I will also raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old.” The church leader James quoted Amos' prophecy and added, “'So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name,’ says the Lord, 'who makes these things known from long ago'” (Acts 15:17-18). James stated that this prophecy of Amos is fulfilled in the Messiah and surprisingly includes Gentiles, along with the Jewish people, as now making up God's one people.

After judgment, the Lord offers hope in the messianic prophecy of Amos 9:11 about God rebuilding the fallen dynasty and kingdom of King David.

Ben