Amos 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Amos 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh has spoken against the children of Israel, whom he brought out of Egypt. He states that because he chose them, he will punish them for their sins (vv. 1-2).

Key verse

“Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing, unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.”
Amos 3:7 (WEB)

Outline

Amos 3:1–2 God’s Charge Against Israel
Amos 3:3–5 Rhetorical Questions of Cause and Effect
Amos 3:6–8 God’s Sovereignty and Prophets
Amos 3:9–10 Call to Witness Against Injustice
Amos 3:11–12 Impending Judgment and Rescue
Amos 3:13–15 Consequences of Transgression

Discussion questions

In v2, what does Yahweh mean by saying, 'I have only chosen you'?
What does Yahweh identify as the actions of the people in vv. 9-10?
The imagery of the lion roaring in v8: what does it suggest about God's message to Israel?
In v12, what does the metaphor of the shepherd rescuing suggest about Israel's fate?
When have you felt accountability for a privilege, as in v2 with God's chosen people?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Amos 3: Jeremiah 33, Revelation 1, 2 Corinthians 6.

Before next time: read Amos 4.