The Book of Amos
A shepherd's blunt call for justice to roll down like a river.
Amos, a shepherd and fig-tree farmer from Tekoa, was sent to confront the prosperous but corrupt northern kingdom of Israel around 760 BC. His 9 chapters expose the gap between elaborate religious ritual and the everyday oppression of the poor, insisting that true worship demands justice. Begin at Amos chapter 1.
About Amos
Amos is the thirtieth book of the Bible and the third Minor Prophet, written by Amos the shepherd and fig-tree farmer from Tekoa who was called to prophesy to the northern kingdom of Israel around 760-750 BC, and spanning 9 chapters. Amos was not a professional prophet but a layman whom God raised up to deliver one of the Bible's most socially and morally charged prophetic messages. He preached during a period of great economic prosperity and religious activity in Israel -- yet beneath the surface ran deep currents of injustice, corruption, oppression of the poor, and hollow ritual worship. Amos announced with laser clarity that God is not impressed by religious ceremony when it coexists with social injustice and exploitation of the vulnerable. Major themes include social justice as a non-negotiable expression of true religion, the judgment of God on both foreign nations and His own people, the danger of false security, and the future restoration of the Davidic kingdom. Key chapters include Amos 1-2 (oracles against the nations), Amos 5 (the call to let justice roll down), and Amos 9 (restoration promised). Famous verses include Amos 5:24 -- Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream -- and Amos 3:3 -- Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Amos KJV Bible reading challenges comfortable, self-satisfied religion. Read the Book of Amos online here in full.