Theory question 104
True Religion and Social Justice(a) Describe the circumstances which brought Amos face to face with Amaziah, the priest of Bethel
(b) Give two reasons why those who oppose God should be condemned.
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(a) Amos, a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa in Judah, was sent by God to prophesy to Israel (Amos 1:1; 7:14-15).
At Bethel, the king's sanctuary, he condemned Israel's idolatry, injustice and empty worship (Amos 4:4; 5:21-24).
He saw a vision of a plumb line: God would not pass by Israel again; the high places would be desolate and the house of Jeroboam would fall by the sword (Amos 7:7-9).
Amaziah reported to King Jeroboam that Amos had conspired against him, saying the king would die and Israel go into exile (Amos 7:10-11).
He told Amos to flee to Judah and prophesy there, never again at Bethel (Amos 7:12-13).
Amos replied that he was no professional prophet; the Lord had taken him from the flock (Amos 7:14-15).
He prophesied disaster on Amaziah's family and exile for Israel (Amos 7:16-17).
(b) Any two: they resist God's will and truth; they hinder others from hearing God's word; they encourage sin and injustice; God is sovereign and rebellion against Him deserves judgement; they persecute God's servants.
Explain the Bethel clash, then two reasons.