Introduction of Bile study of Amos and Micah books, we talk about the goal of the study, how to read prophetic literature

This chapter offers practical guidance for understanding the challenging nature of prophetic books, which use bold language and imagery. Inspired by Old Testament professor Peter J. Gentry, the author provides three key tips for reading: 1) Recognize that all prophecy points back to the covenant truths in Deuteronomy; 2) Understand that foretelling prophecy serves as confirmation of God's faithfulness to His Word (often with dual immediate and future fulfillment); and 3) Realize that Hebrew literature is "recursive," meaning it repetitively circles back to topics from different angles to emphasize themes like social injustice and corrupt leadership.

This chapter introduces Amos, a herdsman called by God to prophesy during a time of false security in Israel. The text outlines the historical context of the divided kingdom and begins with a series of "statements of doom" directed at Israel's pagan neighbors—Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, and Ammon. Through these oracles, Amos establishes God’s authority to judge nations for their violence and mistreatment of others, setting a theological foundation that even foreign nations are accountable to God's standard of justice.

In this chapter, the prophet Amos continues his "statements of doom" by addressing the final two nations: Moab and Judah, before turning his full attention to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The study highlights the hypocrisy of God's people, noting that while Judah and Israel were in a covenant relationship with God, their behavior—specifically their rejection of the Law and oppression of the poor—rendered them just as susceptible to judgment as their pagan neighbors. This section emphasizes that God's judgment is not random "smiting" but the natural consequence of rejecting a relationship with Him and choosing the way of death.