The Tanakh Podcast

God instructs Yonah to call on Ninenveh to repent. Yonah refuses. He will not be accept the mission. Yonah runs from God. But ironically, on the way he influences others to find God!

Today we study a book that is only one chapter in length!

Amos ch.9 is confusing. Is Amos predicting curse or blessing?

Amos predicts a thirst and a hunger for God - but that the people will be unable to find the word of God. This is the most devastatingly awful prophecy! So why have so many people found solace in these verses and turned them into song?

Amos has an unpleasant encounter in the Temple at Beth-El in which he is accused of treason and national betrayal. This allows Amos to reflect upon the difference between authentic prophets and prophets for hire.

Woe! This chapter yet again assails the people of Samaria for their carefree lifestyle and their abandonment of justice and warns that their wealth and security will soon be undone.

It is difficult to convince a society who think they are righteous that their priorities are wrong. That is Amos' challenge.

Our chapter contains a poem warning the people five times, time after time, that disaster will strike. But that they can avoid the catastrophe if they return to God.

The opening verses of the chapter challenge the sense of immunity that nation feels by virtue of its status as the "Chosen People". This is followed by 7 questions. What are these questions communicating?

Today we study Amos' biting critique of the wealthy classes in Samaria.