Amos 2:1-16

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Prophecies of Judgment, Continued

In the first two chapters of Amos, there are eight prophecies of judgment against Israel, Judah, and the foreign nations surrounding them. Prophecies six, seven and eight are in chapter two. Which nations does Amos prophecy against in chapter two?
Why were these nations left for last?
Where was Amos’ ministry centered?
What was this center noted for at the time of Amos?
Briefly tell the history of the golden calf shrine.

Amos prophesies against Moab, Judah, and Israel.
Amos was circling in on the nations of Judah and Israel. This was the center of the Circle of Fire.
In Bethel.
There was an idolatrous shrine located at Bethel.
This golden calf shrine had been set up by King Jeroboam I about 170 years before the ministry of Amos. At the time of Amos, King Jeroboam II was in power, but the shrine was still there.

The sixth prophecy was against the nation of Moab because Moab took cruel revenge on Edom by desecrating the King of Edom’s grave. It was unrestrained wrath, way beyond defending the nation in a just war. It was a spirit of revenge, which would be judged because God holds all nations accountable for how they treat one another. Think of some nations in this category in more recent times. Also, recognize that not only nations, but individuals will be held accountable for how they treat one another. Have you ever been caught up in unrestrained wrath and the spirit of revenge? All will be judged by God.
Judah despised the law of the Lord and failed to keep His commandments. Even though they were God’s people, they would not escape judgment. Judah had not only disobeyed God’s law, but they despised and rejected it. This was religious apostasy. Apostasy is deliberately turning away from the revealed truth of God, which was once embraced. Apostasy is a serious sin. Consider some of the organizations in our own country that are now apostate.
Down through the years there were no good kings in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and no revivals. The nation was ripe for judgment. The sin for which they were finally denounced was the sin of social injustice. Review Amos 2:6-16. Consider some of the social injustices in our country today. They will be judged by God.

The Nazarites of the Northern Kingdom of Israel were being stumbled, and either tricked, forced, or persuaded to break their vow before the Lord. Is it possible to stumble a Nazarite today? Is it possible to stumble a committed Christian today? Beware of being stumbled and beware of stumbling another. Be sensitive to God’s will, both for yourself and for others.

“For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment…” Amos 2:1
“For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment…” Amos 2:4
“For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment…” Amos 2:6