Amos's prophecies emphasize the moral wrongs of the corrupt society in the Kingdom of Israel. He warns that the punishment for this terrible societal behavior will be the destruction of the Kingdom of Israel.  The first two chapters of Amos contain a structured list of prophecies of rebuke directed at various other nations: Damascus, Gaza, Edom, Ammon, Moav and Yehuda. Each "stanza" has a similar opening and refrain: "For three sins...and for four, I will not reverse it..." which then describes the fourth, most egregious sin, which God will not forgive. This litany of sins of the nations comes to a final crescendo with a prophecy of rebuke for the sins of the Kingdom of Israel. This prophetic rebuke, the longest and most detailed, is revealed to be the purpose and "punch-line" of the prophetic section beginning in Chapter 1.

In the study guide you will find guided questions as well as a discussion of the text as well as an appendix about the earthquake.

4 pages
Courtesy of Matan Al HaPerek, Directed by Dr. Navah Cohen