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"And utters His voice from Jerusalem"

Text: Amos 1:2

THE DIVIDED MONARCHY

The Kingdom of Israel split into two in the reign of King Rehoboam (1 Kings 12). There were now two kings who ruled the two kingdoms. King Jeroboam I feared that he might lose his kingdom to King Rehoboam if he were not careful. He decided that he would establish a new religion for his new kingdom.

1. Jeroboam mused in his heart (1 Kings 12:26-27)

a) If his people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem.

b) The heart of this people will turn back to their lord Rehoboam, king of Judah.

c) They might even kill him (Jeroboam I).

2. Advice was sought (1 Kings 12:28-31)

a) He made two calves of gold.

b) These would be the gods of Israel.

c) He set up two centres of worship.

i) In Bethel

ii) In Dan

d) He made shrines in every high place.

e) He made priests out of every class of people (non Levites).

AMOS’ MESSAGE

His message was one of great power and authority as he spoke in the name of the LORD.

“The LORD roars from Zion,
And utters His voice from Jerusalem.”
Amos 1:2

1. Zion was the spiritual habitation of God.

2. Jerusalem was the local place where God had chosen to place His name in (2 Chronicles 7:12).

a) God’s word to King Solomon at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem must be remembered.

b) The LORD declared that the Temple in Jerusalem was the chosen place for worship and sacrifice.

3. “And utters His voice from Jerusalem”

a) Not at Bethel.

b) Not at Dan.

c) Nor at every high place where shrines were erected for worship.

d) These were places where idolatry was practised.

e) God continues to speak to both Israel and Judah from Zion… and from Jerusalem!