lesson 12
The Fifth Vision of Amos:
A Vision of the Lord Judging Israel for Their Sins of Disobedience and Idolatry
Amos 9:1-10
Background notes
1.
2.
3.
Doctrinal / Teaching points
1. No one can escape the judgment of God.
2. Everything is under the control of God.
Practical application
1. Praise the Lord for His sovereign grace.
Questions
1. Describe the fifth vision of Amos.
2. Was the altar mentioned in Amos 9:1 the true temple of the Lord in Jerusalem?
3. When did the Northern Kingdom of Israel come to an end?
4. What means did the Lord use to bring about His judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel?
5. Did the people who were left in the land after the fall of the kingdom turn to the Lord?
6. Was the shrine at Bethel eventually destroyed?
Answers
1. Amos saw the Lord standing beside the altar at Bethel ready to judge the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their sins and for their refusal to return to the Lord for forgiveness.
2. No. It was a false altar at the shrine of the golden calf at Bethel.
3. About forty years after Amos related this vision of judgment.
4. Assyria conquered the capitol city of Samaria in 722 B.C.
5. No. They continued their idolatry at Bethel.
6. Yes. In 621 B.C., the great revival under King Josiah of Judah swept north, and whatever remained of the shrine at Bethel was demolished.
Discuss / Consider
1. In the vision, Amos saw people trying to escape God’s judgment and trying to get away with their sins, but no one escaped. People can go as high or as low as they try, but they cannot escape from God. Why? Because God is omnipresent –God is in all places at all times. See Psalm 139:7-8. Think of the consequences of trying to escape God’s judgment today.
2. Amos 9:5-10 emphasizes the omnipotence of God. He is all-powerful and in control of everything. He is sovereign over nature and over nations. God works all things according to the counsel of His will. See Ephesians 1:11.
3. No one can hide and escape from God’s judgment, because He is omnipresent. You may hide your sins from others, but not from God.
Challenge
1. In God’s sovereign control, He would graciously preserve a remnant from the Northern Kingdom of Israel. What’s true for the remnant of Israel is true for every believer: we are saved not by our works or because we chose God. God in His grace and mercy chose us. Appreciate the truth that salvation is all of God.
Memorize
“I saw the Lord standing by the altar…” Amos 9:1
“Wherever they try to flee…I will search and take them.” Amos 9:2-3
“Behold, the eyes of the Lord God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it.” Amos 9:8
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