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A book of warnings: Amos 1.3–15 (Day 316)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: Amos 1

Amos is a book of warnings. In its first chapter we are told about the warnings of judgement upon the nations surrounding Israel. This may lead us to ask, why does God give judgements upon the nations?

God has a high standard of justice and righteousness which he expects to be upheld. If a person who is trying to be good can’t just sit back and watch injustice happen, a good God cannot sit back and let evil run rampant in his creation. God always sent prophets to warn the people that judgement was coming to them so that they could correct themselves. These prophets, like Amos, would come from Israel or Judah, as the Hebrews had a special relationship with God.

Israel thought that God’s judgement would come in the form of a punishment on all its enemies. The first chapter of Amos is indeed a warning to those who are enemies of Israel, but as we’ll see, the warnings given to these nations are very short in comparison to what is said to Israel itself. Each paragraph in the first chapter gives details of the evil things that the nations have done, and references the historical relationships that the other nations have had with Israel. For example, when speaking about Edom, the text references the story of Jacob, the founder of Israel, and Esau, the founder of Edom, who were brothers. Amos says that Edom has betrayed its brother, and so had not honoured the bond between them.

Pray

Pray

Dear Lord, I thank you that through the Holy Spirit acting upon my conscience, you help me to realise the mistakes I am making and you are merciful in helping me to make them right. Please help me to honour the bonds I have with my family members and to do right in your eyes.


This reflection was written by Hannah Stevens who is part of Bible Society's Publishing team

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