There was a high level of social and moral decadence in Israel as in the time of prophet Amos. The focus of his prophecies was mainly the social injustice which had eaten deep into the social life of Israel. There was no true fear of God in the mind of the people. Amos was therefore called by God to go and warn the people. The theme of Amos prophecy is summed up in the book of Amos 2:6-8.

The following societal ills spurred Amos prophecies:

1. Te judges took bribe and perverted justice. The poor were denied justice
2. The poor were robbed of their properties. They pledged such properties to borrow money.
3. The rich exploited the poor by selling to them with false weights and measures, thereby becoming richer at the expense of the poor.
4. There were cases of forced slavery. Some poor farmers who borrowed money from lenders and couldn’t pay back were forced to become the servants of the rich.
5. Sexual immorality was on the increase
6. Amos called the Samaritan women cows of Bashan because many of them encouraged their husbands to bring their ill-gotten wine home to drink.

Opposition Against Amos by Amaziah

When social injustice and religious malpractice had reached their peak Amos condemned them. The priest of the royal sanctuary of Bethel , Amaziah reported Amos to the king accusing him of conspiracy and sedition. Amos was ordered to go to Judah where he belonged to prophesy. He prophesied the following curses on Amaziah:

1. His wife would become a harlot in the city
2. His sons and daughters would be slain by the sword
3. Israel would surely go into exile
4. His land would be divided

Reasons why those who Oppose God Would be Condemned

1. Since God is our creature it is wrong to oppose Him
2. They deceived others
3. Their teaching led to destruction
4. They violate God’s order and will Punishment

He also warned them of the punishment that would come upon them if they refused

to repent which include-

1. The Samaritan women would be taken to exile
2. Those who exploited the poor to build for themselves houses of hewn stone would be taken on exile, they wouldn’t dwell in those houses
3. The punishment that would come upon them would be so great that people would weep bitterly
4. Their hopes would be dashed while their feat would be turned to mourning.

Vices Condemned by Amos that are Still Rampant in the Society

1. Oppression of the poor by the rich
2. Injustice in the court
3. Cheating in business
4. Luxury through illegal and bad means

ASSESSMENT

1. What are the vices condemned by Amos that are still prevalent today?
2. What are the reasons those who oppose God would be punished?
3. What were the societal ills that spurred Amos’ prophecies