Amos: Summary & Overview
Overview
Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer called to deliver an uncomfortable message to prosperous Israel: religious rituals mean nothing without justice and righteousness. He confronted the wealthy who exploited the poor and warned that God's judgment was coming. Amos remains powerfully relevant wherever people confuse comfort with God's approval.
Key Themes
- •Social justice
- •True worship vs empty ritual
- •God's judgment on oppression
- •Accountability of the privileged
- •The sovereignty of God
Famous Verses
“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”
— Amos 5:24
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
— Amos 3:3
“Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you.”
— Amos 5:14
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”
— Amos 3:7
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.”
— Amos 8:11
Key Facts
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Minor Prophet
- Author
- Amos
- Date Written
- ~760–750 BC
- Chapters
- 9
Related Books
Read Amos in Context
Amos is part of our reading plans. Start reading through the Bible today.
Start Day 1 →