More Information
ISBN: 9781783689668
Imprint: Langham Monographs
Format: Paperback
Dimensions (mm): 229 x 152 x 14
Publication Date: 14/10/2014
Pages: 260
Language: English

The Theology of the Land in Amos 7-9

£21.99

In the book of Amos the language about land is used extensively, including terms and ideas such as Zion, YHWH’s bringing of Israel into the land, references to various sanctuaries and places, harvest and famine, the relationship between the northern kingdom and Judah, and references to the land of other nations. However this subject of the land has never been studied as a theological topic in its own right, but only as part of other themes.

This work follows a synchronic reading of Amos and employing textual, literary and historical criticism the author carries out a careful theological analysis of the land. Although the findings are set in the context of the entire book of Amos, the study focuses on chapters 7-9 to explore the topic with closer detail.

Author Bios

Robert Khua Hnin Thang
(By)

ROBERT KHUA HNIN THANG earned his BTh degree from Chin Christian Institute of Theology (formerly called Zomi Theological College), Falam, Chin State, in 1993; MDiv from Myanmar Institute of Theology, Insein, Yangon in 1997; BA (Q) from University of Distance Education, Yangon in 2000; ThM (OT) from Torch Trinity Graduate University, Seoul, S Korea in 2007; and was educated at the University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, England, where he took his PhD (OT). Robert has taught in the Chin Christian Institute of Theology where he served as a lecturer, Dean of Students, and Academic Dean for about ten years. He has been serving as a pastor at Chaungkhuah Baptist Church, Southern Kalay Valley Baptist Association of Chin Baptist Convention since 1993 till now, and is currently Academic Dean at the Bethel Theological Seminary, Kalaymyo, Sagaing Division, Myanmar.

Endorsements

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

Table of Contents

  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
        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
      2. 4.2 The Land in Amos 8:4-6
        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
      3. 4.3 The Land in Amos 8:7-14
        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

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