Amos 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Amos 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The speaker takes up a lament for Israel’s fall, noting that the virgin of Israel has fallen and will not rise again (vv. 1-2). Yahweh proclaims that only a remnant will be left from Israel and urges them to seek him to live, warning against worship at Bethel, Gilgal, and Beersheba (vv.

Key verse

“But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Amos 5:24 (WEB)

Outline

Amos 5:1–2 A Lament for Israel's Fall
Amos 5:3–6 Call to Seek Yahweh
Amos 5:7–12 Condemnation of Injustice
Amos 5:13–15 A Call to Righteousness
Amos 5:16–20 Woe to the Day of Yahweh
Amos 5:21–24 Rejection of Empty Worship
Amos 5:25–27 Consequences of Idolatry

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Amos mean by 'break out like fire in the house of Joseph'?
What does Yahweh say in v24 about justice and righteousness?
In vv. 18-20, why does Amos describe the day of Yahweh as darkness and not light?
In v26, what does the mention of 'the tent of your king' suggest about Israel's worship?
When have you noticed 'justice' being cast down in your community or workplace?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Amos 5: 1 Samuel 15, Micah 6, Isaiah 55.

Before next time: read Amos 6.