Affiliation:
1. Christian Service University College, Kumasi-Ghana; Research Fellow, University of the Free State, South Africa.
Abstract
This paper conducted a thematic and literary study of the book of Amos to ascertain how Amos’ message should inform contemporary Christianity. The prophet ministered to pre-exilic Israelites who were about to be destroyed because they had abandoned their covenantal responsibilities. The rich trampled upon and exploited the poor and the weak. Amos’ message was meant to call attention to the impending judgment and to give hope of future restoration. This paper used literary analysis to examine key themes in the book of Amos; including, Israel’s covenant relationship with Yahweh, Israel’s sin, call to repentance, social justice and future restoration. The study also provides a useful model for contemporary Ghanain leaders on God’s expectations for governance and leadership responsibilites especially towards the vulnerable in the society.
Keywords: Amos, Justice, Repentance, Righteousness
Subject
General Earth and Planetary Sciences,General Environmental Science
Reference36 articles.
1. Andersen, Francis I. Freedman, and David Noel Amos, A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary. 1st ed. New York: Doubleday, 1989.
2. Arnold, Mark D “The Ethics of Amos in Light of Its Ancient Near Eastern Context” (2012). MSU Graduate. Theses, 136 https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1
3. Barton, John, The Theology of The Book of Amos. New York Cambridge University Press, 2012.
4. Bennett, Harold V. “Justice, OT [משפט].” Vol. 3 of The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, Nashville, Abingdon Press, 2008.
5. Birch, Bruce C. Hosea, Joel and Amos. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Pres, 1997.