This is part of the Classic Bible: Favorite Stories & Passages series. Read more from the series!

Have you ever wondered why many people don’t seem to read much of the prophecy book of the Old Testament? I have. And I wonder if those people have any idea of what they are missing.

The books of prophecy can be intimidating, I understand that. They are written in poetic form, and address people and events that seem far removed from life in the twenty-first century.

But nothing could be further from the truth!

These books are full of incredible passages, passages that proclaim God’s promises and presence to his people, both in ancient times and now.

Take the book of Amos for example. This short book begins by announcing judgment upon eight nations. Six of those nations surrounded Israel, and God was proclaiming punishment on them for their oppression upon other people. The seventh nation listed was the nation of Judah, with whom Israel shared a close cultural and national heritage.

But the eighth nation listed was Israel, not because the oppressed other peoples; Israel oppressed her own people and was guilty of a grave injustice.

Amos is believed to be one of the earliest prophets to write, and his book is dated to the eighth century BC, along with Hosea, Isaiah and Micah. This was a time of great prosperity for the nation of Israel, and they were at peace with their neighboring nations. But blessing and prosperity can soon degrade into complacency and corruption. This is the climate into which Amos writes.

Even though much of this book details God’s judgment upon these nations for their oppressive ways, there are sparks of light that shine through, giving us a glimpse of God’s ultimate plans.

Here are a few of my favorite passages from Amos:

Seek Good And Not Evil – Amos 5:14-15

As Amos pronounces God’s judgment, he inserts some encouragement for the nation of Israel. Even though they are oppressing their own countrymen, Amos shares with them that if they choose to seek justice and good over evil, God will continue to be with them. This seems to be a recurring theme in the history of the Israelites throughout the Old Testament: If they will seek God over the false gods they continually turned to, they would see more of God provision and blessing.

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and thus may the LORD God of hosts be with you, just as you have said! Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the LORD God of hosts may be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. – Amos 5:14-15

The Plumb Line – Amos 7:8-9

This is a prominent depiction that many commentaries use as a summary image for the book of Amos. What is a plumb line used for? A standard of measuring if something is upright and straight. Builders would use such a tool to make sure the walls of the building were vertically straight. While the plumb line determines that a wall is straight and true, its use here indicated that God has found Israel to not be straight and true, spiritually. Though God plans to “spare them no longer,” notice that he still calls them “my people,” holding out hope for their repentance and restoration.

The Lord said to me, “What do you see, Amos?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold I am about to put a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer. “The high places of Isaac will be desolated and the sanctuaries of Israel laid waste. Then I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” – Amos 7:8-9

An Image Of Christ – Amos 8:9-10

In this passage, Amos is speaking to the nation of Israel, and his contemporaries. But much of the language here holds a deeper meaning, and makes me think of the day of Christ’s crucifixion. Even though it may not be a specific prophecy of Christ, the imagery is there to draw our attention.

“It will come about in that day,” declares the Lord GOD, “That I will make the sun go down at noon and make the earth dark in broad daylight. “Then I will turn your festivals into mourning and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring sackcloth on everyone’s loins and baldness on every head. And I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and the end of it will be like a bitter day.” – Amos 8:9-10

Prophecy – Amos 9:11-12

This passage is referenced in Acts 15:16-18, when James addresses the Council at Jerusalem. Amos uses it to refer to the restoration that he wants to bring to the nation of Israel of Amos’ time. But James uses it to speak of God’s desire of a more grand restoration of both Jews and Gentiles. This inspires hope for every person.

“In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David, and wall up its breaches; I will also raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old; that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations who are called by My name,” declares the LORD who does this. – Amos 9:11-12

What are your favorite stories from the book of Amos? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.