Amos and Social Justice - Part 1

Amos was a shepherd who lived in the region of Tekoa, not many miles from the city of Jerusalem. He earned his living by raising sheep and taking care of sycamore trees. He was not a prophet, son of a prophet or priest. He was an ordinary man chosen by God for a specific purpose: to prophesy to Israel. God called him, shepherd's staff in hand, and sent him forth to warn his straying people.

Amos' message was to an age of unprecedented post-war prosperity in the middle of the 18th century. Materialism had become the order of the day. Politically, the kingdom was secure. Samaria, its capital, was considered impregnable. Under Jeroboam II, Israel enjoyed a remarkable cultural, social, and economic revival. It was the last glorious period in the history of the kingdom of Israel. The hopes and expectations of the people were lifted to the highest heights. They looked forward with great anticipation to even greater success and declared a great "Day of the Lord" when God Himself would take the battlefield against their antagonists.

It was also a time of fervent patriotism. Everyone seemed unanimous in the conviction that God had at long last begun to fulfill His ancient promises to the nation (Genesis 9:25-27). Such was the climate into which, without warning, was catapulted the dynamic personality of Amos.

The prosperity enjoyed by the Northern Kingdom was accompanied by an almost unparalleled degree of social corruption which was caused primarily by the demoralizing influence of Canaanite Baal-worship which Jeroboam II developed at the local shrines.

The effect of this degenerating influence upon Hebrew society began to be felt in the corruption of justice, in willful and luxurious living of the upper classes, and in the general decay of social unity. The wealthy exhibited no responsibility towards the poor, and instead of relieving their economic distress, the rich seemed hell-bent upon depriving their less fortunate counterparts of all their property. Within a short period of time, the nation whose strength had subsisted in the mass of its independent citizens was divided into the dissolute rich and the oppressed poor. In just a few short years the poor had been reduced further to the level of serfs, and when circumstances dictated, they were frequently sold into bondage by their masters for trivial considerations. The virtual disappearance of the middle class marked a turning point in the stability of Israel's life.

The impending downfall and utter collapse of the Northern Kingdom is the predominant theme of the book of Amos. The basis for his prophecy is the injustice and immorality expressed in the political, economic, and religious life of the nation. It was Amos' conviction that Yahweh is a God of justice and His power over the nations of the earth is evidenced by the fact that transgression of the principles of justice and social righteousness will inevitably be followed by utter ruin and decay. (continued in part 2).

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries http://www.clergyservices4u.org She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow, Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances, Homilies that Teach.

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


What If? -- Musings on the Tsunami

Thumbing through Isaiah recently I was startled to find this:... Read More

John Roberts and Madalyn Murray ? The Turtle and the OHare

Although I've never met Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, I... Read More

Christian Leaders: Nazi or Mass Murderer? A Fun Who?s Who Quiz

Figure out which Christian Leader goes with which description ?A.... Read More

Miracle Worker

The power of the Holy Spirit is so profound it... Read More

Human Evolution Timeline: Bible Quote and Science

The human evolution timeline is found recorded in Bible quotes... Read More

Possibilities in Prayer

Prostrateology is the theological term for the doctrine of prayer.... Read More

Are You Missing What It Takes To Resist Sin?

I don't care how much you go to church or... Read More

Gods People Are Destroyed For Lack of Knowledge

These next two verses are extreme - and I mean... Read More

Who Me? Wear a Clerical Shirt?

Clothing says a great deal about one's profession, and this... Read More

Knowing Hinduism or Hindu Religion

Hindus are concentrated in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka and... Read More

Is God Prejudiced?

The first thing I would like to do is give... Read More

Fruit-Bearing Christians

This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much... Read More

The New Heaven And New Earth

Now that Satan, all of his fallen angels and all... Read More

Early Spring Cleaning

Has anyone noticed how fast 2004 is going? Hey, we... Read More

Should Professional Athletes Be Glorifying God And Jesus On Their Public Platforms?

Recently I have run across quite a few Christians who... Read More

123 ABC Numbers in the Bible Simply Amazing

Underneath the Hebrew and Chaldee of the Old Testament and... Read More

The Stilling Of the Storm: In My View

Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25.In my view, the significance... Read More

Surviving Eternity

Matthew 24:34-24:35 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall... Read More

Gay Marriage Hitting Resistance

Gay marriage is hitting significant resistance in Washington D.C. where... Read More

Terror; The Lost War

Zephaniah 1:14-1:18{Terror; Intense, overpowering fear.An emotion experienced in anticipation of... Read More

Planetary Alignment

Planetary Alignment is said to have magical powers. Some believe... Read More

Is Your Life Significant?

"I also say to you that you are Peter, and... Read More

Knowledge Of The Power

For it is written in Proverbs 1:7 it says The... Read More

Signs and Symbols

In the year 2005, the American Constitution has put into... Read More

Sex, Lies, & Videotape; Part 3

ConclusionVideotape in todays world is based on these three things... Read More

White Sun - Tao of Heaven: The Relationship Between Tao and Mankind

The shapeless and formless Tao brings about various elements and... Read More

Ministry Idea: How to Stop Pre-Marital Sex

... Read More

3 Clues To Know Where You Fit In Ministry Part 2

Clue Number 2: You Have Spiritual GiftsIn part 1 you... Read More

All Knowledge and Wisdom Comes Direct From God

These next set of verses are the heart and soul... Read More

The United States of Europe is a Joke!

French & Dutch Reject EU Constitution & British Table It-We... Read More

Choose Your Friends Carefully

For those of you who have entered into a true... Read More

Pagan Religions Taught In Public Schools

In classrooms throughout the country, Judeo-Christian beliefs are often cast... Read More

Following Instructions To The Letter

The dictionary explains wisdom as having good judgement, understanding, comprehension... Read More