Amos 1: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Amos 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Amos introduces his prophecy, stating he is from Tekoa and spoke during the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam of Israel (v. 1). He declares that Yahweh will roar from Zion and Jerusalem, causing mourning among shepherds and withering on Carmel (v.

Key verse

“Yahweh says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron;”
Amos 1:3 (WEB)

Outline

Amos 1:1 Introduction of Amos' Prophecy
Amos 1:2 Yahweh's Voice from Zion
Amos 1:3–5 Judgment Against Damascus
Amos 1:6–8 Judgment Against Gaza
Amos 1:9–10 Judgment Against Tyre
Amos 1:11–12 Judgment Against Edom
Amos 1:13–15 Judgment Against Ammon

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh's voice from Jerusalem signify for the pastures of the shepherds?
What punishment does Yahweh declare for Damascus in v3?
In vv. 9-10, why does Yahweh hold Tyre accountable for not remembering the brotherly covenant?
In v11, what does the phrase 'cast off all pity' suggest about Edom's actions?
When have you witnessed or experienced the consequences of unkind actions, as described in v13?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Amos 1: Jeremiah 49, Joel 3, Obadiah 1.

Before next time: read Amos 2.