For Three Transgressions, and for Four

AMOS WASN’T a trained prophet, yet his words resonate today, highlighting the injustices and moral decay of society. It’s a stark reminder that the rich must not oppress the poor, a message as relevant now as it was then.  

This week, we begin to explore the Book of Amo, focusing on its key messages and relevance today. Amos addressed social injustice and religious corruption in ancient Israel. Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, delivered his messages during a time of relative peace and prosperity in Israel, specifically around the 8th century BC. However, this prosperity came at a cost, as the rich oppressed the poor, and religious practices deviated from true worship. 

The Book of Amos begins with God’s proclamation of judgment on the neighbors of Israel and Judah: Aram, Ammon, Moab, Edom, Tyre, and Gaza (the Philistines). But His harshest words were reserved for Judah and especially the northern kingdom of Israel.