Scofield Reference Bible Notes/Amos
Book Introduction - Amos[edit]
Read first chapter of Amos
Amos, a Jew, but prophesying (B.C. 776-763) in the northern kingdom (Amos 1:1; 7:14,15) exercised his ministry during the reign of Jeroboam II, an able but idolatrous king who brought his kingdom to the zenith of its power. Nothing could seem more improbable than the fulfilment of Amos' warnings; yet within fifty years the kingdom was utterly destroyed. The vision of Amos is, however, wider than the northern kingdom, including the whole "house of Jacob."
Amos is in four parts:
- Judgments on the cities surrounding Palestine, 1:1-2:3.
- Judgements on Judah and Israel, 2:4-16.
- Jehovah's controversy with "the whole family" of Jacob, 3:1-9:10.
- The future glory of the Davidic kingdom, 9:11-15.
CHAPTER 1[edit]
Verse 2[edit]
roar
"Roar," etc. Cf. Isaiah 42:13; Jeremiah 25:30-33; Hosea 11:10,11; Joel 3:16. It will be found that wherever the phrase occurs it is connected with the destruction of Gentile dominion (see "Times of the Gentiles," Luke 21:24. (See Scofield "Revelation 16:19") and the blessing of Israel in the kingdom. Without a doubt a near fulfilment upon Syria occurred 2 Kings 14:28 but the expression, "the Lord will roar," looks forward to a vaster fulfilment. See Scofield "Joel 1:4".
CHAPTER 2[edit]
Verse 4[edit]
For three
The judgments on Judah and Israel were fulfilled as to Judah in the 70 years' captivity; as to Israel (the northern kingdom) in the world-wide dispersion which still continues.
CHAPTER 3[edit]
Verse 1[edit]
whole family
The language here, and the expression "house of Jacob," Amos 3:13 evidently gives the prophecy a wider application than to "Israel," the ten-tribe northern kingdom, though the judgment was, in the event, executed first upon the northern kingdom. 2 Kings 17:18-23.
Verse 2[edit]
therefore
It is noteworthy that Jehovah's controversy with the Gentile cities which hated Israel is brief: "I will send a fire." But Israel had been brought into the place of privilege and so of responsibility, and the Lord's indictment is detailed and unsparing. Cf. Matthew 11:23; Luke 12:47,48.
CHAPTER 4[edit]
Verse 4[edit]
Beth-el
Cf. 1 Kings 12:25-33. Any altar at Beth-el, after the establishment of Jehovah's worship at Jerusalem was of necessity divisive and schismatic. Deuteronomy 12:4-14. Cf. ; John 4:21-24; Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 13:10-14.
Verse 5[edit]
thanksgiving
(See Scofield "Leviticus 7:13").
CHAPTER 5[edit]
Verse 15[edit]
remnant
(See Scofield "Jeremiah 15:21").
CHAPTER 6[edit]
Verse 1[edit]
trust
(See Scofield "Psalms 2:12").
CHAPTER 7[edit]
Verse 3[edit]
repented
(See Scofield "Zechariah 8:14").
Verse 8[edit]
plumbline
Symbol of judgment according to righteousness.
Verse 9[edit]
raise
As prophesied and fulfilled, 2 Kings 15:10.
CHAPTER 9[edit]
Verse 1[edit]
standing
The position of the Lord (Adonai) is significant. The altar speaks properly of mercy because of judgement executed upon an interposed sacrifice, but when altar and sacrifice are despised the altar becomes a place of judgment. Cf. John 12:31.
Verse 2[edit]
hell
Heb. "Sheol," (See Scofield "Habakkuk 2:5").
Verse 9[edit]
sift
(See Scofield "Psalms 72:1").