Amos

(active mid-700s B.C.E.) a prophet of ancient Israel Amos is also a book in the BIBLE containing the sayings of this prophet. Amos was a shepherd who lived in the town of Tekoa in Judea during the reigns of Uzziah, king of Judea (783–742 B.C.E.), and Jeroboam II, king of Israel (786–746 B.C.E.). He claims to have received messages from the GOD YHWH ("the Lord") that foretold the destruction of Israel's neighbors: Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Moab, and the Ammonites. They also foretold the destruction of Judah. But most of the messages were about the coming destruction of Israel. At the time that probably seemed unlikely. The Israelites were worshipping YHWH with lavish SACRIFICES and offerings. According to Amos, however, God rejected these. He also faulted Israel for its failure to repent. The book is not very specifi c about what Israel has done wrong. Some verses hint that Israel had offended YHWH by worshipping other gods. A few verses explicitly condemn Israel for social injustices. They condemn rich Israelites for taking advantage of and cheating the poor. The book of Amos is relatively short; it contains nine chapters. It belongs to the portion of the Hebrew Scriptures (see SCRIPTURES, HEBREW) known as "The Twelve," which Christians call "the minor prophets." It mostly prophesies destruction, but the fi nal few verses promise that after the destruction, YHWH will restore his people.