Amos
Amos was one of the Minor Prophets in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Although classified as “minor” due to the brevity of his written prophecy compared to longer books like Isaiah or Jeremiah, his message is anything but small in importance. Here are key points about who Amos was and why his prophetic role matters:
- Time Period and Location
- Amos conducted his ministry during the 8th century BCE, around 760–750 BCE.
- He was from Tekoa, a small town in the southern kingdom of Judah, not far from Bethlehem.
- Occupation and Background
- Unlike some other prophets who emerged from priestly or prophetic circles, Amos was a shepherd or herdsman and also described himself as a dresser of sycamore figs (Amos 7:14).
- His humble, rural background contrasts sharply with the urban and elite centers of power he addresses.
- Historical Context
- Amos prophesied during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam II, king of Israel, a time of political stability and relative prosperity—at least for the wealthy.
- Despite material success, Israel suffered from moral and social corruption: economic inequality, idolatry, and injustice toward the poor ran rampant.
- Prophetic Message
- Social Justice and Righteousness: Amos strongly condemned the exploitation of the needy and warned Israel that external religious rituals meant nothing without ethical living (Amos 5:21–24).
- Call to Repentance: He urged the people to “seek the Lord and live” (Amos 5:4, 5:6), warning that failure to turn from injustice would bring divine judgment.
- Day of the Lord: Amos challenged complacent beliefs that “the Day of the Lord” would automatically benefit Israel; instead, he declared it would be a day of darkness and judgment if they did not repent (Amos 5:18–20).
- Legacy and Influence
- Amos is often regarded as the earliest of the writing prophets. His emphasis on justice, righteousness, and integrity resonates strongly with later prophetic voices (e.g., Micah, Isaiah).
- His bold critique of hypocrisy and social injustice continues to inspire discussions about faith and ethics in modern times.
In short, Amos was a shepherd-turned-prophet who spoke out fervently against social and religious corruption, warning Israel that genuine devotion to God demands justice, mercy, and humility—not empty rituals or complacency.
Amos 3:7 “For the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.”
Amos 5:4 “For this is what Jehovah has said to the house of Israel, ‘Search for me, and keep living’ “
Amos 8:1-3: Jehovah will not excuse his people any longer – “hush!” – compare Revelation 8:1; 11:2,3
Amos 8:4-8 states reasons why Jehovah is leaving his people -See Lamentations
Amos 8:9-14 describe a spiritual famine and reasons for wearing “sackcloth” and having shame – Compare Matthew 24:28 “carcass”; Revelation 11:3
Amos 9:10 “By the sword they will die – all the sinners of my people, those who are saying: “The calamity will not come near or reach as far as us.”
Amos 9:11,12” ‘In that day I shall raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and I shall certainly repair their breaches. And its ruins I shall raise up, and I shall certainly build it up as in the days of long ago, to the end that they may take possession of what is left remaining of Edom, and all the nations upon whom my name has been called, is the utterance of Jehovah, who is doing this.” Compare Zechariah 11:12,13; Isaiah 45:20-25; Acts 9:11,12.