Chapter 6:1-7 is a warning about self-indulgences. The
people were self-secure and were depending upon
themselves and their riches. Amos gives solemn warning
that they must turn from those things of the flesh and
return to the Lord, or punishment would be inevitable.
Their pride and the injustice of the land could not go
unpunished.
Chapter 8 records the vision of the summer
fruit. The Hebrew word for summer fruit is “hayit” and
the word for end (verse 2) is “hatz.” These two words
look and sound alike, and Amos used one to lead to the
other. The goodness of Israel was like the summer
fruit. It was perishable and soon deteriorated. God’s
judgment would come upon Israel.
In verses 4-14 God names the sins of the
people, and warns that He will send His wrath upon
them–not only by natural calamities, but by a famine
of the Word of God. The people had not listened to the
Word of God when they had the opportunity; therefore,
God would take His Word from them. God warns that their
idols at Dan and Beersheba would be powerless to help
them in the coming calamity (verse 14).
Chapter 9 records the final vision at the
altar, with the Lord standing upon the altar. Judgment
begins at the house of the Lord (1 Peter 4:17). The
people had been outwardly religious, but their hearts
were not sincere. Verses 8 and 9 summarize what God is
going to do. He compares the coming judgment to the
sifting of grain. The good seed, the true believers,
will be saved; but the chaff will be burned.
The Book of Amos closes on a note of victory.
In verses 11-15 the promise of future restoration is
given.