Bible Dictionary
Amos, Book Of
The Book of Amos contains the prophet’s judgments against surrounding nations, Judah, and especially Israel. It records prophetic visions of coming punishment and concludes with a promise of restoration and blessing.
Definition
The Book of Amos is a collection of the prophecies of Amos. It condemns the sins of nations bordering Israel and Judah, describes the condition of Judah and especially Israel, records prophetic visions of Israel’s impending punishment, and ends with promises of blessing and restoration.
Biblical Usage
The book presents God’s judgment against national sin and Israel’s spiritual corruption. Its third section records Amos’s visit to Bethel and visions concerning coming punishment. The prophetic message concludes with hope after judgment.
Historical Background
The style reflects Amos’s background as a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees, containing many references to natural objects and agricultural occupations.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The book of the prophecies of Amos seems to be divided into four principal portions closely connected together. (1) From 1:1 to 2:3 he denounces the sins of the nations bordering on Israel and Judah. (2) From 2:4 to 6:14 he describes the state of those two kingdoms, especially, the former. (3) From 7:1 to 9:10 he relates his visit to Bethel, and sketches the impending punishment of Israel. At last he promises blessings. The chief peculiarity of the style consists in the number of allusions to natural objects and agricultural occupations, as might be expected from the early life of the author.