Amos Chapter 6

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Amos Chapter 6
Pride Goes Before the Fall
Please read Chapter 6 of Amos
Chapter 6 can be divided into 2 parts
j The first part is verses
1 to 7 which is Amos¶ criticisms of the leaders of Israel j The second part is verses 8 to 14 which is where we get to the root of the problem in Israel
Amos in the first 7 verses is critical of the leaders of Israel (leaders being the power brokers) Why???
The leaders feel that they are important but they are sinful people
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They feel that they are important because of their military victories in Calneh and Hamath (Syria) and Gath in Philistia but they are no better than these Kingdoms They are not looking at themselves through the eyes of God Interestingly, the word trust in verse 1 (or feel secure in some translations) is batah which actually refers to false security The leaders live a life of luxury²they lie on ivory beds, dine on veal, drink wine, and use the finest lotions But they still sin (e.g. worship Baal, no justice in kingdom etc)
Interesting story in verse 4
j The text refers to beds inlaid
with ivory j Carved ivories that would be put in a bed were found in Nimrud which is an area on the Tigris (ancient Assyria) j On one of these ivories, Hebrew words were found. j It is thought that these ivories were taken to Assyria when Israel was conquered in 722 B.C. or they were given to Assyria as tribute
Verse 3
j It is thought by scholars that verse 3 is a
response by Amos to those who are scoffing him j It is easy to see why people would scoff him j But he says²look you are putting off the evil day and are bringing near the reign of terror j In other words²change your actions or there will be consequences
This section says a lot about leadership
j This section criticizes the
self indulgence of the leaders of Israel j Also it points out that they are not relying on God j They could have led the way to righteousness and justice but did not. j So, they are leading their people to destruction
What do you think the requirements are for leadership in the church?
j Take a look at Matthew 20:25-28 j This passage takes a look at servant
leadership j What does that mean in a church?
Verses 8-14 get to the root problem
j Which is what? j Pride j The leaders had great
pride in their military, in their riches, and in other Gods j However they have abandoned God
So, what is going to happen?
The destruction of Israel
So a question for you: Why is this chapter important for us in 2010???