King David, the second King of Israel, ruled well. Though he made some personal mistakes, there was never a question that he belonged to God. When he became aware of his mistakes, he accepted personal responsibility for the mistakes (rather than resorting to self-justification), and repented. He ruled over a United Kingdom composed of twelve tribes known as Israel.
King Solomon was Israels third king. He began his rule in wonderful fashion with God at the center of what he did. Under his early rule, the United Kingdom (the twelve tribes) was prosperous as Solomon expanded the kingdoms territory and influence.
Often Solomons expansions were made by treaties. Then treaties among kingdoms were often sealed by the intermarriage of the royal families of the kingdoms. In his success, Solomon accumulated a number of idolatrous wives. Due to the influence of these wives on Solomon, the older Solomon adopted their idolatrous gods (1 Kings 11:3, 4).
Jehovah God was furious at Solomon for turning to idolatrous gods (1 Kings 11:9-11). He had abundantly blessed Solomon. He told Solomon of His fury. (Read I Kings 11:1-13.) As a consequence of Solomons idolatrous behavior, Solomons son would not rule a United Kingdom of twelve tribes when Solomon died.
Ten of the tribes were given by God to Jeroboam. In fact, God promised to bless Jeroboam in the same manner He blessed King David if Jeroboam would follow God with King Davids loyalty and obedience (I Kings 11:28-38). However, when Jeroboam became king he feared that he would be deserted by his tribes if these people returned to Jerusalem to worship at the Jewish temple (I Kings 12:26-29). In that fear, he made two worship centers in his territory (Dan and Bethel), made a golden calf for each, and announced they were Israels gods (the ten tribes) that brought them from Egypt.
King Jeroboams decisions began a rule in the breakaway ten tribes (known as Israel) that lasted for just over two hundred years. In these tribes during this period: (a) idolatry was the official religion [though Jehovah God was often included in the gods they worshipped], (b) there was never a reform king or a period of national repentance, and (c) this kingdom maintained its distinction from the Kingdom of Judah. Judah was at times a cooperative neighbor, at times simply there, but was often an enemy.
Amos was sent by God to prophesy to these people near the end of the two-hundred year period. Though that kingdom was quite successful during Amos time by a physical standard, Amos declared the kingdom to be a horrible failure because of the ungodly behavior of the people.
Amos was sent to tell the people of Israel that they would endure the consequences of their behavior. Though by all the physical standards around thema king who had served as king for years, seeming stability, an age of prosperity, and a luxurious lifestyledeclared success, Amos declared things were miserable and the unthinkable was unavoidable.
God had issued numerous calls to repentance, and none of those calls were noted or heeded. The time of responding was past. The full consequences of ungodly behavior would now occur. The blessings of repentance were possible, but the consequences of their continued behavior were a certainty.
Amos message/writing is sobering for numerous reasons. (a) Amos pronounced some serious, major consequences in a society in a period of major accomplishments, major expansion, and major prosperity. Though the period by physical standards was outstanding and significant, Jeroboam II hardly receives anything more than a mention in the biblical record. What to people would be an astounding time under a truly successful king was absolutely unimpressive to God because it was a period of ungodliness.
(b) It was a period of significant ungodliness because it was a period of injustice that exploited the poor. People were more concerned about their standard of living than they were about the suffering and struggles of other people.
(c) Many thought they could obtain Gods blessings (or at least His silence) by performing what they regarded as basic rituals rather than having the kind of faith that trusted God. Their approach to godliness was to pacify God rather then to serve Him. Obedience to God was a matter of perfunctory rituals, not a matter of faith in the One Who is the Source of Blessings.
It is easier to tip ones hat to God than it is to actually belong to Him. Ungodliness is ungodliness in spite of human definitions and priorities.
For Thought and Discussion
1. Summarize King Davids rule over the United Kingdom.
2. Summarize King Solomons rule over the United Kingdom.
3. Explain how his treaties contributed to Solomons departure from God.
4. How did God react to Solomons idolatrous practices?
5. To whom (after Solomons death) was leadership over ten tribes given?
6. Because of personal fear, Jeroboam did what?
7. What was Jeroboams fear?
8. What three things began in these ten tribes with Jeroboams rule?
a.
b.
c.
9. When did God send Amos to prophesy to these people?
10. Physically, how would that kingdom look to people? Why?
11. How did that kingdom look to God? Why?
12. Give three reasons for us to look at Amos message/writing as sobering.
a.
b.
c.
13. Ungodliness is ungodliness in spite of what?
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 1