Original Research

Goddelike onberekenbaarheid en menslike toerekenbaarheid in die boek Amos

J. L. Helberg
In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi | Vol 31, No 4 | a1622 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ids.v31i4.1622 | © 1997 J. L. Helberg | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 13 June 1997 | Published: 13 June 1997

About the author(s)

J. L. Helberg,, South Africa

Full Text:

PDF (404KB)

Abstract

The hook of Amos is characterised by unexpected and even disillusionary divine action. Especially the promise at the end of the book is therefore regarded by many commentators as inconsistent with the genuine proclamation by Amos. This part of the book of Amos is thus regarded as the product of later redactionary activity. The author of this article sees the answer to this problem in the absolute sovereignty of God which dominates all parts of the book. Neglect of this aspect of God, combined with his personal will, caused Israel to practise an impersonal religion and made them fully accountable to this God who is incalculable in his action but not in his claim. Israel boasted about its history of salvation, but was blind to the responsibility it implied toward God and the neighbour. In self- satisfaction the Israelites thus reversed the covenant history. God did the same, but in his own way and time. It thus seemed as if the end had come for Israel. Even so, the possibility of hope expressed by the word “perhaps" and the phrase “my people" indicating God's bond with Israel (5:15 7:15), imply the absolute sovereignty of God to publish as well as to redeem.

Keywords

No related keywords in the metadata.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2557
Total article views: 2585


Crossref Citations

No related citations found.