Amos 3 – Justin Houtz

Date	Version	Reading Plan
@November 11, 2023	ESV (2016)	ESV Prophets Plan 2023

Pericopes

Israel’s Guilt and Punishment

Notes/Application

God again threatens judgment on the children of Israel. Because of their close relationship with Yahweh, Israel’s sin was considered more serious and subsequent punishment would be more severe. A series of rhetorical questions are posed in poetic epigram to teach that God has roared, disaster must come and that His prophets must prophesy. God will send an adversary against His people, bringing down their defenses and plundering strongholds; a prophecy fulfilled by Assyria in 722 B.C. God will “strike down the winter house along with the summer house” (Amos 3:15) (the oppressive upper class) who will perish and come to an end.

Israel’s status as God’s children meant being held to a higher standard. God blessed and protected them not because of any worth inherent but to manifest His glory and grace. However, corruption set in as this preferential provision went to their heads, gratitude was replaced with idolatry and they undermined all that God had done for them.

From this, I see the great need to guard against a sense of entitlement as God’s elect. We should never forget at what great cost Christ paid to redeem our souls. Our disposition should be firmly rooted in the appreciation for what has been done for us. Our rejoicing is not be over our preferred status but of His immeasurable grace. Let our hearts be in this place today, that others would not only know we are a saved people but “that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

Scripture Journal Notes

Commentaries & Resources Used