"In the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash"
Text: Amos 1:1
THE MINISTRY OF AMOS
The ministry of Amos was that of a prophet. His specific area of ministry was to Israel. Thus, it is important that we have some knowledge of the reign of King Jeroboam II.
1. Jeroboam the son of Nebat (1 Kings 12-14)
a) This was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
b) Scholars identify him as Jeroboam I.
c) Jeroboam I was the one who introduced idolatry to Israel (the northern kingdom).
i) He introduced the worship of golden calves (1 Kings 12:25-33).
ii) He developed his own idea about the priesthood (1 Kings 13:33).
d) His dynasty was short-lived.
e) He ruled for twenty-two years (1 Kings 14:20).
f) His dynasty ended with the reign of Nadab his son who ruled for only two years before he was assassinated by Baasha the son of Ahijah (1 Kings 15:25-31).
2. Jeroboam the son of Joash (2 Kings 14:23-29)
a) Little is written about his reign though he ruled for 41 years (2 Kings 14:23).
b) On the positive side, he managed to restore some of Israel’s territory (2 Kings 14:25).
c) On the negative side (2 Kings 14:24)
i) He did evil in God’s sight.
ii) He did not depart from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat (idolatry).
3. Hard times in the reign of Jeroboam II
a) The affliction of Israel was very bitter (2 Kings 14:26).
b) Both for the bond and free.
c) No helper was found for Israel.
4. God’s help was nevertheless given to the northern kingdom of Israel
a) God had not said that He would blot out the name of Israel (2 Kings 14:27).
b) He rendered help to the nation by the hand of Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:27).
5. At least two prophets, mentioned by name, ministered to Israel at this time
a) Jonah the son of Amittai (2 Kings 14:25)
b) Amos of Tekoa (Amos 1:1)