Chapter Summary

Final prophecy of dispersion of Israel and their ultimate restoration and blessing in the kingdom age.

Discussion Questions for Amos, Chapter 9

1. Can you determine the relationship of the reference to Carmel and of the story of Noah's Ark in verse 1? Why do you think God would make this reference? How does God's provision for Noah contrast with His coming judgment in Amos 9?
2. Why does God chastise the Israelites for trying to hide from His judgment? How foolish does it seem to try to hide from God? In what ways have you tried to hide from God, whether to hide sin or hide from the consequences of sin?
3. Why does God express His power and authority over creation? Why does His dominion over the earth matter to the Israelites, and why does it matter to you? What does this tell you about the kind of authority and sovereignty God has over your life?
4. Why does God promise to "restore the fortunes of My People Israel" (HCSB)? How does the concept of restoration reveal His goodness? In what ways have you seen God restore things in your life, and how did it impact your view of Him?
5. What is the significance of God promising that His people will "never be uprooted from the land I have given them" (HCSB) in verse 15? Is this a promise only for Israel, or for us as well? What is the significance of God using agriculture as a metaphor? How do God's everlasting promises build your hope and trust in Him?
6. Why does God reference "all the nations that are called by My name" (HCSB) in verse 12? How does this prophetically relate to our world today? In what ways can we see this promise fulfilled in our society?
7. Why does this vision begin with Amos seeing the Lord "standing beside the altar" (HCSB)? What is the significance of the Israelites' religious hypocrisy, and God's anger towards their sin? How does God view our religious works when our hearts are not in them? How are you tempted to be externally "religious" but inwardly hypocritical?
8. What is the significance of God saying "none of the fugitives will escape" (HCSB)? What does this tell us about God's sense of justice, and His ability to execute judgment on the earth? How might this give you confidence when you suffer or when others wrong you?
9. Why do you think God has a "hands-on" approach to restoring Israel's physical and spiritual institutions? What does this say about His investment in our personal lives? In what ways have you seen God work personally and intimately in your own life?
10. Why does God promise restoration and renewal after judgment and destruction? How does this chapter give you hope? Why can you rely on God's promise for restoration when you come to Him in repentance and humility?

Key Words/Phrase

Israel's sifting, v. 9.

Characters

God, Amos.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 10, 11.