Encountering the Old Testament, 3rd Edition
A Christian Survey
series: Encountering Biblical Studies
Chapter
32. Hosea, Joel, and Amos: A Call for Repentance and a Promise for Blessing
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
- Summarize the basic content of the books of Hosea, Joel, and Amos
- Outline the books of Hosea, Joel, and Amos
- List the major themes of each book
Chapter Summary
- The prophet Hosea had great courage and prophesied in spite of the humiliation he suffered because of his wife Gomer’s adultery.
- The book of Hosea was written shortly before Samaria’s fall.
- The major themes of Hosea are spiritual adultery, knowledge of God, and God’s frustrated love.
- Hosea compared Israel to a bunch of choice green grapes in the wilderness that had been spoiled, a vine that grew according to his plan, a trained heifer who loved to thresh grain, and a toddling son.
- The prophet Joel probably prophesied about 500–450 BC.
- Amos worked among the sheepherders of Tekoa and earned part of his living tending sycamore trees.
- Amos spoke out against other nations but especially against Israel.
- Amos used a variety of oratorical methods to make his prophetic points.
- God showed Amos visions to help Amos understand what he was going to do to Israel.
Study Questions
- How did Hosea’s marriage and family background shape his prophetic ministry? In what sense does your family background affect your perception of life?
- Hosea described the people’s spiritual adultery. Why did idolatry and harlotry occur together in Israel?
- What major event of Joel’s day shaped his message? To what extent did his message apply to his generation, and to what extent did it have a future application?
- Describe Amos’s background and calling.
- What were some examples of social injustice against which Amos prophesied? How should our faith in God relate to our actions toward other people?