Showdown in the Sanctuary
Sermon 10 in Series
Amos 7:10-17
[10] Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. [11] For thus Amos has said,
“‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword,
and Israel must go into exile
away from his land.’”
[12] And Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there, [13] but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom.”
[14] Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor a prophet’s son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. [15] But the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ [16] Now therefore hear the word of the LORD.
“You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel,
and do not preach against the house of Isaac.’
[17] Therefore thus says the LORD:
“‘Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city,
and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword,
and your land shall be divided up with a measuring line;
you yourself shall die in an unclean land,
and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land.’”
1. Why is the confrontation between Amaziah and Amos cosmic in scale? How does it point to a larger theme in the narrative of the Bible? What are some other instances of this larger theme in Scripture?
2. Why is Amaziah the priest probably different than the priesthood introduced in Exodus? Why does he confront Amos and what are his tactics?
3. Why can we call Amaziah’s scheme satanic? How does this accord with “the original satanic activity” in the Garden? With this perspective, do you recognize any elements in your life that are satanic in this way?
4. As Christians, what should be our posture toward opposition for the sake of the gospel?
6. How does Amos respond to the priest’s accusation? Are there any areas in your life where you can grow in obedience to the Lord’s call?
7. Are you currently facing any kind of opposition for your faith? How does this passage and sermon encourage you to remain faithful for the sake of Christ?References: Genesis 3:15; Jeremiah 26:1-15; Acts 7:51-53; Amos 2:12; Genesis 28: 10-22; Kings 12:25-33; Acts 4:17-18; Genesis 3:1-6; John 3:19; John 15:18-21; Matthew 10:22; 1 Peter 4:12; Revelation 12:7-11; Romans 16:20; Titus 2:14.