3:1–6:14 Review · The Reasons for God’s Judgment of Israel: Many Israelites would have questioned this word of divine judgment against them, for many thought that their election as God’s special chosen people (Deut. 7:6–7) and God’s powerful grace in delivering them from Egypt (Exodus 14–15) implied that God would never destroy them (3:1–2). Amos indicates that God makes no absolute promises to sinful people but will require much from those who have received his blessings. Therefore, God’s plan is to punish sinful Israel, if there is no repentance. Although some were no doubt astonished by the announcement, Amos emphasizes that everything that happens in this world has a cause. Lions roar for a reason, birds get caught in a trap for a reason, trumpets are blown for a reason, destruction c…