SUMMARY
Amaziah, the priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More of Bethel, confronts AmosProphet to the northern kingdom who condemned Israel's oppression of the poor, calling for justice to "roll down like waters." More and commands that he cease prophesying in Israel. He tells him to return to JudahJudah was the name of Jacob's fourth son and one of the 12 tribes. More and “earn bread” there. Amos reponds that he is “no prophet, nor a prophet’s son,” but that “the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'”
ANALYSIS
Amos is claiming that he was not a professional prophet–not a man who earned a living by prophesying. Rather, he has come north at the Lord’s command to speak the Lord’s word. Amaziah answers to King Jeroboam IIThe king of Israel (786-746) during a time when Israel increased in prosperity and power. More; Amos answers to the eternal king, the Lord. Amos then announces that Amaziah will be judged and killed, along with his whole family.
