The Minor Prophets: AMOS

Historical Context

            Amos was active c. 760–755 BC during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judah, and Jeroboam, king of Israel. He was the first Hebrew Prophet to have his words written down.  It was a time of relative peace and prosperity, but also of neglect of God's laws.  Israel would indeed go into exile in the year 721, as God revealed through the prophet.

Message/Theme/Audience

            Amos was a shepherd and sycamore fig farmer from Tekoa, a village about ten miles south of Jerusalem. In Amos 7:14–15, he points out his separation from the “religious establishment” to emphasize his detachment from formal institutions like the royal court and the temple. As an independent layman and blue-collar worker, Amos had freedom to proclaim God’s message unencumbered by vested interests or public opinion.  Amos highlights the truth that God shows no partiality.

            Though he came from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Amos delivered his prophecy against the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the surrounding nations, leading to some resistance from the prideful Israelites (Amos 7:12).  Amos forecasts disaster for the Northern Kingdom of Israel in the form of Assyrian invasion and exile—the consequences of their religious hypocrisy and social injustice. He spoke against an increased disparity between the very wealthy and the very poor. His major themes address social justice, God's omnipotence, and divine judgment. Amos also calls the people to repent, promising hope for the future in the form of Messianic restoration and blessing.

"You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins." Amos 3:2

"Woe to you who long for the day of the Lord! Why do you long for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not light." Amos 5:18