A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF AMOS

The book of Amos is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible, and it stands out because of its directness and focus on social justice. Written around the 8th century BCE, during a time of relative prosperity for Israel, Amos challenges not only spiritual complacency but also the social inequalities that had begun to permeate the nation. Unlike some other prophetic writings, Amos is characterized by its straightforward language and urgent tone, making it accessible and impactful even today. Its primary purpose is to call Israel back to righteousness, urging the people to uphold justice and live according to God's moral standards. The book does not shy away from condemning corruption, exploitation, and religious superficiality, emphasizing that external religious rituals are meaningless if they are not accompanied by genuine justice and righteousness.