📖 Biblical Definition
Amos was a herdsman and dresser of sycamore figs from Tekoa in Judah, called by the LORD to prophesy against the northern kingdom of Israel during the prosperous reign of Jeroboam II (~760-755 BC). His nine-chapter book contains some of Scripture's sharpest oracles against social injustice (the rich oppressing the poor in a wealthy nation), religious hypocrisy (festivals without justice), and complacent prosperity. The famous line: let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (Amos 5:24).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Minor prophet (~8th c. BC); herdsman of Tekoa; prophet of judgment against social injustice and religious hypocrisy.
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Nine chapters of oracles. Structure: oracles against the surrounding nations (1-2, climaxing on Israel), oracles against Israel (3-6), five visions (7-9, with biographical interlude), promised restoration (9:11-15).
Amos was not a prophet by profession (Amos 7:14): I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: and the LORD took me as I followed the flock. The LORD's call breaks into ordinary life.
📖 Key Scripture
Amos 5:21 — "I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies."
Amos 5:24 — "But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream."
Amos 7:14 — "Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit."
Amos 9:11 — "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often skips Amos; his social-justice oracles are sharper than most modern preaching dares, and his attack on hypocritical religion is universal.
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Amos 5:21-24 is one of the most uncompromising religious texts in Scripture: the LORD hates Israel's feasts because they coexist with social injustice. Worship without justice is offensive to God; festivals without mercy are an abomination.
Amos 9:11-12 (cited at the Jerusalem Council, Acts 15:16-17) prophesies the rebuilding of David's fallen tabernacle and the inclusion of Gentiles. Amos's short book contains both the OT's sharpest social oracles and one of its great gospel-foreshadowings.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Amos; burden-bearer.
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Hebrew Amos — from amas, to bear a burden.
Note: distinct from Amoz (Isaiah's father, Hebrew Amots) — different roots, different names.
Usage
"Worship without justice is offensive to God."
"Let judgment run down as waters."
"I was no prophet... but the LORD took me."