30 - Amos

TLDR: A shepherd from Judah prophesies to Israel (north): judgment for oppression and empty religion. "Let justice roll on like a river." A remnant and restoration are promised.

Overarching Storyline

Oracles against nations, then Israel (ch. 1–2). Three sermons (ch. 3–6). Visions: locusts, fire, plumb line, basket of fruit (ch. 7–8). Destruction and restoration (ch. 9).

Bible Project: Amos overview.

Pegs for Memorizing This Book

• Person: Amos (shepherd, from Tekoa).
• Image: Plumb line, basket of ripe fruit, justice like a river.
• Number: 7 (visions in ch. 7–9), 9 (chapters).
• Phrase: "Let justice roll on like a river" (5:24); "You only have I chosen" (3:2).

Highlights

• Amos 3:2 — You only have I chosen; therefore I will punish you.
• Amos 5:24 — Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.
• Amos 9:11–12 — Restore David's fallen tent (cited in Acts 15:16–17).

(Link to verse entries and meditations as added.)

Before and After

• Before: Joel; Amos targets social justice and religious hypocrisy in the north.
• After: Obadiah; Amos's "restore David's tent" is quoted in Acts 15 for the inclusion of the Gentiles.

Place in the Overarching Biblical Story

Justice and righteousness. God requires more than ritual — He requires justice. James and the prophets echo this. Acts 15 uses Amos 9 for the Gentile mission.

Interesting Facts

• Not a professional prophet — "I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet" (7:14); God called him from the flock.
• Tekoa — Judah; he prophesies primarily to Israel (north).