A commentary on Amos
By Ray Beeley
Banner of Truth Trust. 117 pages. £3.95
ISBN 0 85151 715 3
When did you last hear a series of sermons on the book of Amos? Probably not for some while. When it is preached, the temptation is to apply God's Word straight to our world today with little thought given to the unfolding nature of God's revelation in Scripture, climaxing in the death and resurrection of Christ. Any book which teaches us more of this part of the Bible, within a biblical framework, is to be welcomed.
This is a reprint of a book first published in 1970. It therefore predates two particularly helpful and well-known popular commentaries, one by Alex Motyer (The message of Amos, The Bible Speaks Today series (IVP)) and the other by Roy Clements (When God's patience runs out: the truth of Amos for today, Living Word series (IVP)) presently out of print.
The nature of this little commentary, however, is somewhat different from either of these later books, taking instead the form of brief explanatory notes on each verse. Each little section concludes with questions for meditation from the passage, including occasional illustrations and quotations from spiritual giants of the past such as Spurgeon. Overall, the main aim seems to be to provide aid for personal Bible study, although there are gems here which the preacher will find of value.
Beeley rightly sees God's Word through Amos today as primarily warning those of us who profess to be Christian, rather than being addressed to those who make no such claim, just as it was originally a message of judgment to the Israelites in the 8th century BC who thought that they were secure as the covenant people of God. The emphasis is certainly on sound exegesis and warm exposition. While the book is based on the Authorised Version, the author refers to other translations when faced with disputed or difficult passages such as Amos 2.13.
'Prepare to meet your God, O Israel,' (Amos 4.12) is preached by Amos against the background of enthusiastic, hollow religion that is detestable to God in the light of the sinful, hypocritical lives of the people. How we need these warnings today to re-mind us to stand firm in godliness against the spirit of the age. The words of the Lord Jesus come to mind in Luke 6.46: 'Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I say?'.
This book will help you to read this portion of the Bible with understanding and great spiritual benefit. At such a low price, why not buy it and use it in your daily readings?
