When reading books from the Old Testaments it is easy to want to skip over them. They are full of turmoil and judgement. But when taking a closer look there are some major themes that emerge. Even today these themes are noticeable. We see the themes of Idolatry, social injustices, and religious ritualism. It is easy to assume that these are all issues from the bible times only, but they are very present in today’s society. Israel struggled to worship God, if they couldn't see him how could they worship him? Countless times God showed himself to the people, yet they choose to follow and worship false gods instead of the one true God. God called on the prophets to warn Israel to come to repentance and turn back to him. Zephaniah the
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(Zephaniah 1:4-6 NIV)
God gave Ezekiel a prophetic vision in order to warn people that the glory of God would leave the temple because people were bringing Idols into the temple. God commanded Hosea to marry a promiscuous and unfaithful wife in order to use his marriage to “demonstrate how the Lord viewed Israel’s covenant defection.” (Hindson, Yates 2012) Because of Israel’s Idolatry, it brought on issues of social injustices. We are to use God’s prosperity and wealth to help others, including those in poverty. False gods are out for their own gain and wealth. God wants his people to “speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:9 NLT) Israel was living in the lap of luxury during the rule of Jeroboam II. But there was a big problem, “being selfish, greedy, and pursuing pleasure became part of the Israelite society instead of a love for the Lord and one's neighbor.” (Hindson, Yates 2012) It also produced spiritual indifference and a deterioration of morals. God sent Amos to Israel to tell them that their days of living in the lap of luxury were over. And God kept his word, and two years later there was a great earthquake. “This message was given to Amos, a shepherd from the town of Tekoa in Judah. He received this message in visions two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, was king of Israel.” (Amos 1:1 NLT) Micah gave Israel a reminder, telling them that in order
(Zephaniah 1:4-6 NIV)
God gave Ezekiel a prophetic vision in order to warn people that the glory of God would leave the temple because people were bringing Idols into the temple. God commanded Hosea to marry a promiscuous and unfaithful wife in order to use his marriage to “demonstrate how the Lord viewed Israel’s covenant defection.” (Hindson, Yates 2012) Because of Israel’s Idolatry, it brought on issues of social injustices. We are to use God’s prosperity and wealth to help others, including those in poverty. False gods are out for their own gain and wealth. God wants his people to “speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” (Proverbs 31:9 NLT) Israel was living in the lap of luxury during the rule of Jeroboam II. But there was a big problem, “being selfish, greedy, and pursuing pleasure became part of the Israelite society instead of a love for the Lord and one's neighbor.” (Hindson, Yates 2012) It also produced spiritual indifference and a deterioration of morals. God sent Amos to Israel to tell them that their days of living in the lap of luxury were over. And God kept his word, and two years later there was a great earthquake. “This message was given to Amos, a shepherd from the town of Tekoa in Judah. He received this message in visions two years before the earthquake, when Uzziah was king of Judah and Jeroboam II, the son of Jehoash, was king of Israel.” (Amos 1:1 NLT) Micah gave Israel a reminder, telling them that in order