The Prophet Amos Essay -- social issues

The Prophet AmosAmos is accepted as the first of the Israelite prophets whose discussions were recorded on a scroll. He was not a prophet whole his life and never prophesied professionally. Amos clear his living as a herdsman and dresser of sycamore figs. (Amos 714) Since he already had an occupation he did not have to prophesy for m iodiney. He prophesied because God had called him to do so. Amos was not a poor sheep herdsman. The word herdsman, apply to describe his occupation, was not the common Hebrew word used to refer to shepherds. The Hebrew word used described the vocation of a Moabite king, King Mesha. The Hebrew word means sheep-master, and refers to the owners of a special variant of sheep, famous for their wool. Amos may have been one of the more important manpower in his region, Tekoa. Tekoa was a village about ten miles south of Jerusalem. It was primed(p) atop a large hill round 2800 feet above ocean level. Therefore, Tekoa was strategically located. It was f ortified and walled. Tekoa is mentioned elsewhere, in 2 Chronicles 116, as one of several cities that King Rehoboam (Solomons son and successor) re strengthened and fortified after the gap a agency of the ten northern tribes and founding of the northern kingdom of Israel (in 931). (Miller p.45) manage many a(prenominal) other prophets Amos was called directly by Yahweh through some providential intervention. Yahweh took him from his flocks and said, Go and prophesy to my people Israel.(Amos 715) He also saw five visions. Throughout the third and fourth visions Gods utterance claimed, I will forgive them no longer. (Amos 78 81) He was referring to the people of Israel. The bind of the Prophet Amos begins with a short explanation of the prophet. This is followed by his words. He begins by condemning several nations, Israels neighbors. Finally, and most(prenominal) importantly, he goes on to condemn Israel. This condemnation of Israel would come as a surprise to listeners in A mos time, because the people of Israel were the chosen people. Amos goes on to list some of the sins of Israel. The underlying theme behind many of the sins was that the wealthy and powerful were modify the poor and the weak. Amos lived during the long and prosperous reign of Jeroboam II. During this time many people became very wealthy. There were, however, some who remained poor. The wealthy exploited the helplessness and vulnerability of the poor.... ...ust society. In our interactions with our families we should avoid unkind words and insults. We must dole out family members with respect and caring. In school and in our community one goat use his or her talents to tutor a friend so that he can achieve success. Community service at a local anesthetic school or hospital can be a way to help those in our community who need help or are less fortunate. In these acts of compassion and caring we live the word of God. The Book of Amos, the teachings of Jesus through the Gospels an d the Churchs Constitution all make one thing very clear. Our actions and social institutions should all advantage the human person and respect human dignity. These actions and institutions should be founded on truth, built on justice, and animated by love. (Huebsch p. 144) Bibliography Heubsch, Bill, and Paul Thurmes. The Constitutions. Allen Thomas More Publishing, 1997. Mays, mob Luther. Amos. Philadelphia The Westminster Press, 1969. Miller, John W. Meet the Prophets A Beginners Guide to the Books of the scriptural Prophets. Mahwah Paulist Press, 1987. Rad, Gerhard von. The Message of the Prophets. New York Harper and Row Publishers, 1962.