Amos 2

Amos 2

Judgment on Moab and Judah The chapter begins by continuing the series of judgments started in Amos 1. It first addresses Moab, citing verses from Genesis, Numbers, and Deuteronomy regarding their origins and actions. Amos then turns his attention to Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel. The study emphasizes that being God's people does not exempt them from judgment. Judah is condemned because they "despised the law of the Lord and have not kept his commandments" (referencing Amos 2:4–5).

The Mosaic Covenant and Consequences The author provides theological context regarding the Mosaic Covenant made at Mount Sinai after the deliverance from Egypt. This covenant was an agreement where Israel promised to obey God's Law in exchange for the land of Canaan. The study points to Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 28, and Leviticus 26 to illustrate the severe consequences Israel agreed to if they broke this covenant.

Judgment on Israel (The Northern Kingdom) The focus shifts to the primary target of Amos's prophecy: Israel. The text highlights Amos 2:6–8, detailing specific sins that violated the Ten Commandments, particularly social injustice and the oppression of the poor.

  • Ingratitude: The study notes God's past faithfulness in Amos 2:9–11, listing three specific things God did for Israel (destroying the Amorite, bringing them up from Egypt, and leading them in the wilderness).
  • Rejection of the Holy: The text mentions the Nazirites, a set-apart group consecrated to God (referencing Numbers 6, Samuel, Samson, and John the Baptist). Israel is condemned in Amos 2:12–16 for forcing the Nazirites to drink wine and commanding prophets not to prophesy. This reveals the corrupt state of their hearts.

The Nature of God’s Judgment The study addresses the common perception that God is "harsh" or "unfair" in passages like Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26. The author argues that God is not listing arbitrary punishments but rather observing the natural outcomes of evil. By rejecting God's way, Israel actively chose the way of darkness, death, and loss.

  • Relationship vs. Rules: The author explains that covenants (Adamic, Noahic, Mosaic, Davidic) are based on relationship. Salvation is emphasized before commands (citing Exodus 20:2) to show that obedience stems from relationship.
  • Identity: The study references New Testament scriptures (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 5:18, 1 John 2:29) to connect righteous behavior with a righteous identity born of God.

Study Questions

READ THE ENTIRE CHAPTER OF AMOS 2

  1. Look at Amos 2:1–3. What did Moab do?
  2. Look up the following passages about the origins of Moab and record what you find.
  3. What will the consequences of the Moabites’ actions be?
  4. How does Amos end this passage? (v. 3)
  5. Look at Amos 2:4–5. What did Judah do?
  6. Judah is the Southern Kingdom of Israel, God’s people. What does it say about God that they are included (not exempt) from the list of nations susceptible to judgment?
  7. Look at the following passages. Record what you learn about God’s Law and the consequences of breaking the Mosaic covenant (there will be a lot to record!).
  8. How are Amos’s words similar to what we read in Deuteronomy and Leviticus?
  9. Look at Amos 2:6–8. What did Israel do?
  10. What specific types of sins does Amos identify? Which of the Ten Commandments do they violate?
  11. Look at Amos 2:9–11. What did God do for Israel (three things)?
  12. Look at Amos 2:12–16. What did the Israelites do to the Nazirites?
  13. What does this say about the state of Israel’s hearts?
  14. What will happen to Israel as the natural consequence of their spiritual state? (v. 13–16)
  15. Look at Exodus 20:2. What does God say right before He gives the Ten Commandments?
  16. Why do you think God reiterates His salvation before giving behavioral commands?
  17. What does 2 Corinthians 5:21 say about our righteousness?
  18. What does 1 John 5:18 say about identity and behavior?
  19. What does 1 John 2:29 say about those who are “born of God” (given a righteous identity)?
  20. How does this impact your view of God’s judgment?
  21. Is God right to judge Israel/Judah this way? Why?
  22. What principle about God do you learn in this passage?
  23. How can you apply this today?