Amos - Introduction and God's People and the Nations

Reformed Theological Seminary

Media App

Amos - Introduction and God's People and the Nations

Lesson 3 Lecture 1

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

Discuss the evidence related to the location and time of Amos' ministry. What were the social and religious conditions of that time?

Discuss Pratt's view of the time of final composition for Amos. What is the overarching literary structure of Amos? What was the basic purpose of the book?

Describe the literary structure of Amos 1:2-3:8. What was the surprise for the original hearers (and readers) contained in this passage? How does Amos 1:2-3:8 demonstrate the variations in judgment for people in the covenant and not in the covenant?

Describe the literary structure of Amos 9:11-15. What hopes did this passage offer the original hearers (and readers)?

Introduction - Prophets in Historical Perspective

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

What are the prominent names and descriptions given to prophets in the OT? How do these designations indicate the breadth of prophetism in Israel? Discuss the institutionalization of a prophetic office. How does ANE background help us understand the prophets as functionaries of theocratic statecraft?

Introduction - Prophets in Literary Perspective

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

Identify the categories the Hebrew Bible in which we find the writing prophets. What are the main types of prophetic accounts? Give an example of each. What are the main types of prophetic speech? Give an example of each. What is the basic outline of an oracle of judgment and salvation? What is the basic structure of the lawsuit? Discuss the problem of proclamation and inscriptuation of prophetic materials.

Introduction - Prophets in Thematic Perspective

March 1, 2003 • Dr. Richard L. Pratt

Explain the importance of divine transcendence for appreciating OT prophets. What difficulties in OT prophecy come to the foreground in the light of divine immanence? What are the major themes of OT covenants? How do these motifs establish God's limitations and latitude in the fulfillment of prophecy? Explain the functions of blessings and curses in OT covenants as expressed in the message of OT prophets.