Amos
The Prophet of Social JusticeShepherd and fig farmer called to prophesy against the wealthy northern kingdom's oppression of the poor
Amos was a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa in Judah, called to prophesy against the wealthy northern kingdom of Israel during its prosperous final decades. He thundered against social injustice, religious hypocrisy, and the exploitation of the poor by the rich. His famous declaration 'Let justice roll down like waters' has inspired social reformers throughout history. Amos was the first of the 'writing prophets' and established the pattern of prophetic books. He faced opposition from the priest Amaziah but continued his message of coming judgment.
Original Name
עָמוֹס (Amos)
Meaning
Burden-bearer, Carried by God
Etymology
The name Amos likely comes from the Hebrew root 'amas' meaning 'to carry a load' or 'to bear a burden.' This is fitting for a prophet who carried the heavy burden of God's message of judgment to a prosperous but corrupt nation.
Linguistic Insights
Amos's name ('Burden-bearer') reflects both his humble origins as a working man and his prophetic calling to carry God's heavy message. His book introduces the technical prophetic phrase 'Thus says the LORD' (koh amar YHWH) repeatedly. The Hebrew word for justice (mishpat - מִשְׁפָּט) appears 5 times, and righteousness (tsedaqah - צְדָקָה) appears 5 times - together 10 times emphasizing the ethical demands of true religion. His wordplay in Hebrew is powerful: 'qayits' (summer fruit) sounds like 'qets' (end) - 'The end has come for my people Israel' (8:2). Amos's statement 'I am not a prophet (navi) or son of a prophet' may mean he wasn't a professional prophet but directly called by God.
Translation Notes
- •Name means 'Burden-bearer' - fitting for his message
- •First of the writing prophets chronologically
- •Wordplay: qayits (summer fruit) = qets (end)
- •'Justice' and 'righteousness' appear 10 times combined
Related Terms
Called from shepherding to prophesy
Amos 7:14-15Prophesied against surrounding nations
Amos 1:3-2:5Pronounced judgment on Israel
Amos 2:6-16Condemned oppression of the poor
Amos 4:1-3; 5:10-13; 8:4-6Rejected Israel's corrupt worship
Amos 5:21-24Five visions of judgment
Amos 7:1-9; 8:1-3; 9:1-4Confrontation with Amaziah the priest
Amos 7:10-17Prophesied restoration of David's fallen tent
Amos 9:11-15Amos 3:7
"Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."
Amos 5:24
"But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"
Amos 7:14
"I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees."
Acts 15:16
"After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it."