Amos

Amos is the thirtieth book of the Bible and the third of the minor prophets. The book is traditionally attributed to Amos, a shepherd and grower of sycamore figs from Tekoa in Judah. He was not a professional prophet but felt called by God to deliver a message to the northern kingdom of Israel in the mid-eighth century BC, during a period of unusual prosperity under King Jeroboam II.

The book opens with a series of judgment oracles against the nations surrounding Israel: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, Moab. Each is condemned for specific cruelties. Then Amos turns to Judah, and finally to Israel itself, which is condemned at greater length than any of the others. The structure suggests Israel was meant to nod along at the judgment of its neighbors before realizing the prophet was coming for them.

Amos's main charge against Israel is that the prosperity of its upper classes is built on the exploitation of the poor. The wealthy buy the needy for silver, sell sandals, trample on the heads of the poor. The rich keep elaborate religious festivals while ignoring justice. Amos calls them out repeatedly.

The book contains five visions of coming judgment: locusts, fire, a plumb line, summer fruit, the Lord striking the altar. It closes with a brief promise of restoration. The fallen tent of David will be raised again.