Chapter Summary

Threatening judgments. The prophet's intercession no longer to prevail. Amos charged before the king and his answer.

Discussion Questions for Amos, Chapter 7

1. Why did the Lord "relent" of His judgment in response to Amos' requests in verses 3 and 6? What does this tell us about how God hears our prayers and requests? How does this affect the way you view your prayer life?
2. Why does God show Amos visions of the future in verses 1-9, and then relent from executing His judgment? What does this say about God's heart for His people? What are times in your life where God has relented from bringing judgment on you for your sin?
3. What is the significance of Amos interceding on behalf of the people? What does this say about Amos' love and compassion for the nation of Israel? How can you intentionally intercede on behalf of your lost friends, family, and community?
4. What is the significance of the "plumb line" (HCSB) in verse 8? What does a plumb line do? How does God demonstrating His standard of righteousness differ from the culture at that time? In what ways do you measure yourself against God's righteousness?
5. Who is "Amaziah" (HCSB) in verse 10? Why does Amos come to oppose him and prophesy against him? How does this underscore the difficulties people have in sharing truth? In what ways have people undermined your leadership or responsibilities? How should you respond to those that do that?
6. Why does God speak so graphically and harshly towards Amaziah in verse 17? What does this say about how God protects the integrity of spiritual leadership for his people? How would you deal with false prophets and false spiritual leaders in your life?
7. Why is Bethel being a "king's sanctuary" (HCSB) and a "royal temple" (HCSB) important? What is the significance of the name "Bethel" (HCSB), which means "house of God"? How does it impact society when evil people occupy spiritual roles of leadership? What instance in your life have you had to confront someone working evil in the name of God?
8. What is the significance of using "fire" (HCSB) in God's judgment? What does that symbolize? How have you seen the "fire" of God's judgment or discipline in your life?
9. Why does God use "locusts" as a metaphor for judgment? What do locusts typically do? How does the utter destruction brought by this creature symbolize God's total judgment on the nation of Israel? In what ways have you seen sin your sin cause destruction like "locusts" in your life?
10. Why does Amos ask God to "forgive" (HCSB) in verse 2? What does it mean to be forgiven? In what ways, big and small, have you experienced God's forgiveness?

Key Words/Phrase

God-abandoned, v. 8.

Characters

God, Amos, Amazlah, Jeroboam.

Strong Verse(s)