The Book Of Amos

Who is the Author?

Amos was a shepherd of Tekoa (1:1), a smalltown of Judah, six miles southeast of Bethlehem and twelve from Jerusalem, on the borders of the great desert (2 Ch 20:20; compare 2 Ch 11:6). The sandy region was more fit for pastoral than agricultural purposes. Amos therefore owned and tended flocks and collected sycamore figs. Amos (7:14, 15), seems to have been of humble rank.1 Though belonging to Judah, he was commissioned by God to exercise his prophetic function in Israel. Because the latter kingdom abounded in impostors, and the prophets of God generally fled to Judah out of fear of the kings of Israel, a true prophet from Judah was needed in Israel. Amos’s name is not to be confused with that of Isaiah’s father, Amoz. The name Amos signifies a burden, and so the Jewish people have a tradition that he was spoke slowly, with a stammering. Regarding his name, we may instead say that his speech was weighty and his word was the burden of the Lord. He was (as most think) of Judah, yet he prophesied chiefly against Israel and at Bethel (7:13). Some think his style is reminiscent of his extraction—plainer and more rustic than the style of some of the other prophets.2 As a breeder, rancher, and farmer, Amos was a respected man in his community. He lived in times of material prosperity. The long reigns of Uzziah (790–739BCE) in Judah and of Jeroboam II (793–753 BCE) in Israel (1:1) had brought stability, prosperity, and expansion to the two kingdoms.3