Read Amos 1.
The prophet Amos lived in Judah but his ultimate audience was the northern kingdom of Israel. God's pronouncements of judgment came like a roaring lion, ready to pounce on its prey. And as such, the intended should have been frozen in fear of what was coming.
The writing structure of this book is fascinating. Beginning in the north, the judgments against Israel's neighbors geographically move to the south, then to the west, circles to the east, and continues to spiral until they hit the final target. Each paragraph follows the same poetic pattern:
1. Judgment is decided.
2. Sin is detailed.
3. God will deliver the punishment.
Each paragraph starts with the same poetic device of "For three transgressions....and for four." This is commonly used in the Old Testament. Many hold that it not only points to an escalation the list of sins God has against them but combined the number is seven. That may indicate that their list of sins is full or complete. Further, chapters one and two present a total of seven pronouncements of judgments before finally addressing Israel.
In the historical context, it was Assyria who invaded this entire region and executed what is stated here. However, the LORD made it clear that it was He who ordered and personally empowered the punishment. No less than thirteen times the phrase "I will" appears in this first chapter.
In light of the consistent veracity of God's word, how much more should those who do not enjoy God's forgiveness and protection be frozen in fear of the eternal judgment to come?
"And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)
"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31)
Concerning Jesus, the Apostle Peter said, "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
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