Chapter Summary

Jehovah's controversy with Israel.

Discussion Questions for Amos, Chapter 3

1. Why does God primarily only ask rhetorical questions in verses 3-9? How does this effectively help His audience understand His point? In what ways does God sometimes help you arrive at the right conclusion by drawing you to the answer yourself? What is the ultimate answer that God wants the Israelites to see in these verses?
2. What is the ultimate reason that God gives for allowing Israel's enemies to destroy it in verse 11? What does this teach us about God's character and His holiness? When have you experienced times in your life where God has allowed something to happen to you because of your sin?
3. What is the significance of God knowing "only you" (HCSB), referring to the Israelites in verse 2? What does this say about God's global love for the nations? In what ways does God's personal and intentional love for you change your view of Him?
4. Why does verse 12 give the impression of the Israelites being just barely saved? What does this teach us about the dangers of sin? What situations in your life have you witnessed God's rescue when it seemed like just in the nick of time?
5. Why is it important that God uses "the prophets" (HCSB) to declare His messages? Who do you understand the prophets, like Amos, to be? Where do you see God fulfilling prophetic roles in your life? Does God still use prophets today?
6. Why does God refer to so many natural disasters in this passage? How does He associate these with punishing Israel for their sins? How would you see disaster or natural events in your own life as the work of God? How would you be able to tell the difference between God's work and a simple coincidence?
7. What is the "summer house" (HCSB), the "winter house" (HCSB), and the "houses inlaid with ivory" (HCSB) that Amos references in verse 15? Does this address wealth and money? How does God want you to use your resources for His work and purposes?
8. Why does God remind the Israelites of the fact that He "brought from the land of Egypt" (HCSB)? Why is this significant? What does this teach you about God's faithfulness and consistency? In what ways have you seen God bring you through trials?
9. Why is God so serious about punishing the Israelites for their "iniquities" (HCSB)? What does this say about God's righteous character? In what ways have you seen God discipline you for your sin? How did that impact your view of God?
10. Why would God destroy the places of worship through the lands mentioned in this chapter? Why is purity of worship so important to God? How have you seen hypocrisy and sin in your own life create spiritual distance between you and God?

Key Words/Phrase

Punishment, v. 2.

Characters

God, Amos.

Strong Verse(s)

2, 3, 6.