The outline

Amos 1:3-2:16 is a prophecy of judgment that will come upon the nations. Its outline is as follows. Amos (who was from the Southern Kingdom of Judah) was a prophet sent to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, but he first proclaimed prophecies of judgment against the surrounding nations. (1) First come the prophecies against three nations: Damascus (Syria), Gaza (Philistia), and Tyre (Phoenicia). These three nations were peoples who had no blood relationship with the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (2) Next come the prophecies of judgment against three nations: Edom, Ammon, and Moab. These three nations were peoples who were related to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (3) Furthermore, a prophecy of judgment is spoken against the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Judah stands in a brotherly relationship to Israel. (4) Finally, a prophecy of judgment is spoken against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The expression “for three offenses of …and for four” appears repeatedly. This describes the way sin becomes full. With “three offenses,” the “cup of iniquity” is filled, and with “four offenses,” the cup overflows. Because of overflowing sin, God brings judgment. The Gentile nations are judged because of the sins they committed against Israel, while Israel is judged because of violations of the Law of Moses.

To Damascus (Syria)

Damascus is judged because of the sin of attacking and afflicting Israel. (1) At times, the Lord uses Gentile nations as “instruments of judgment” to judge His own people. (2) That does not mean, however, that those Gentile nations will escape judgment. They too will face judgment. (3) It says that they “threshed Gilead,” and many Israelites were living in Gilead. (4) Accounts of Damascus attacking Israel appear in 2 Kings 10:32-33 and 13:3-7. The expressions “the house of Hazael” and “the citadels of Ben-hadad” appear, and these two kings were rulers who treated Israel with cruelty. (5) Because of the sins committed against Israel, Damascus is judged. That prophecy is fulfilled in 2 Kings 16:9, when the king of Assyria destroys Damascus. What Amos is prophesying is exactly the principle spoken of in Jeremiah 12:14: “This is what the Lord says concerning all My wicked neighbors who do harm to the inheritance with which I have endowed My people Israel: ‘Behold, I am going to drive them out of their land, and I will drive the house of Judah out from among them.’” The covenant that God made with Israel has not changed even now. Let us pray that God’s people Israel will be blessed, and especially that they will receive Jesus as the Messiah.