The Theology of the Land in Amos 7-9

Robert Thang’s work on the land-theology of the Book of Amos tackles a major theme in Old Testament theology, with important contemporary applications, by means of a focused study on a single prophetic book. He explores the deep connection between land and the prophet’s message from a number of angles, dealing with major concepts and topics in the book, such as Zion, northern and southern kingdoms, and other places of worship. The book makes a unique and well-documented contribution to an abiding topic, in biblical as well as Old Testament theology.

J. G. McConville
Professor of Old Testament Theology,
University of Gloucestershire

At a time when biblical scholarship is at last beginning to pay more sustained attention to ecological issues and other questions relating to the land or earth, it is pleasing to see the publication of this detailed study of the land in Amos 7-9. Robert Thang offers a thoughtful and important exploration of Amos’s theology of the land in relation to a number of significant theological themes, including creation, salvation, Sabbath, justice and eschatology. The book makes a welcome contribution to the contemporary debate surrounding these and similar issues.

Karl Möller
Senior Lecturer in Theology and Religious Studies,
University of Cumbria

1. Abstract
2. Acknowledgements
3. Abbreviations
4. Chapter 1
1. The Aspects of the Theology of the Land in Amos
1. 1.1 Introduction
2. 1.2 The ‘Land’: ֶא ֶרץ and ֲא ָד ָמה in Amos
1. 1.2.1 The Term ארץ in Amos
2. 1.2.2 The Term אדמה in Amos
3. 1.3 The Semantic Range of the Land (אדמה/ארץ) in Amos
1. 1.3.1 Land as Territory
2. 1.3.2 Land as Fruitful
3. 1.3.3 Land as Cosmic
4. 1.4 The Theology of the Land (אדמה/ארץ) in Amos
1. 1.4.1 Land as Promised
2. 1.4.2 Land as Gift
3. 1.4.3 Land as Inheritance
4. 1.4.4 Land as a Place of Justice
5. 1.5 Conclusion
5. Chapter 2
1. Theological Themes Linked to the Land in Amos
1. 2.1 Introduction
2. 2.2 Zion
1. 2.2.1 Zion and the Theme of Worship and Justice
2. 2.2.2 Zion and the Relationship between North and South
3. 2.2.3 Zion and Its Relationship with Natural World
3. 2.3 Covenant-Election
1. 2.3.1 Election: Its Responsibility of Justice
2. 2.3.2 Election: Its Connection with Land
4. 2.4 Israel
5. 2.5 Creation
6. 2.6 Justice
1. 2.6.1 Justice in Social Context
2. 2.6.2 Justice in Cultic Context
3. 2.6.3 Justice in Creation Context
7. 2.7 Conclusion
6. Chapter 3
1. The Land in Amos 7
1. 3.1 The Land in Amos 7:1-9
1. 3.1.1 Introduction
2. 3.1.2 The Visions and Response of YHWH
3. 3.1.3 The Use of Jacob/Isaac/Israel in Amos 7-9
4. 3.1.4 Land in the Context of the First Three Visions
5. 3.1.5 Conclusion
2. 3.2 The Land in Amos 7:10-17
1. 3.2.1 Introduction
2. 3.2.2 The Insertion between the Third and Fourth Visions
3. 3.2.3 The House of Israel and the Concept of Land
4. 3.2.4 The Meaning of Land
5. 3.2.5 Conclusion
7. Chapter 4
1. The Land in Amos 8
1. 4.1 The Land in Amos 8:1-3
2. 1. 4.1.1 Introduction
   2. 4.1.2 The Summer Fruit
   3. 4.1.3 I Will Never Again Pass Them By
   4. 4.1.4 The Temple and Land
   5. 4.1.5 Conclusion
3. 4.2 The Land in Amos 8:4-6
4. 1. 4.2.1 Introduction
   2. 4.2.2 Sabbath in the Ancient Near East
   3. 4.2.3 Sabbath in the Pentateuch
   4. 4.2.4 Amos’ Theology of Sabbath
   5. 4.2.5 Conclusion
5. 4.3 The Land in Amos 8:7-14
6. 1. 4.3.1 Introduction
   2. 4.3.2 Earthquake
   3. 4.3.3 Eclipse
   4. 4.3.4 Famine
   5. 4.3.5 Conclusion
8. Chapter 5
1. The Land in Amos 9
1. 5.1 The Land in Amos 9:1-6
1. 5.1.1 Introduction
2. 5.1.2 Temple (Altar): A Symbol of YHWH’s Universal Rule
3. 5.1.3 The Certainty of YHWH’s Judgment
4. 5.1.4 YHWH’s Presence and His Power over the Creation
5. 5.1.5 YHWH’s Power in Heaven and Earth
6. 5.1.6 Conclusion
2. 5.2 The Land in Amos 9:7-10
1. 5.2.1 Introduction
2. 5.2.2 Election in Relation to Land in 3:2
3. 5.2.3 Election in Relation to Land in 9:7
4. 5.2.4 The Relation of 3:2 with 9:7: A Rhetorical Purpose
5. 5.2.5 Election: YHWH’s Ultimate Purpose for the Whole World
6. 5.2.6 Conclusion
3. 5.3 The Land in Amos 9:11-15
1. 5.3.1 Introduction
2. 5.3.2 Authenticity
3. 5.3.3 Intertextual Relationship between Amos 9:11-15 and Other Parts of the Book
4. 5.3.4 Eschatology: Various Aspects of Amos’ Land-Theology
5. 5.3.5 Conclusion
9. Conclusion
10. Bibliography