Theory question 103
True Religion and Social Justice'I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees'……. Give an account of the event which led to this statement. What else did the speaker say on this occasion?
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Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa, prophesied at Bethel against the sins of Israel (Amos 1:1; 7:10).
Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to King Jeroboam, accusing Amos of conspiring against him, saying Jeroboam would die by the sword and Israel go into exile (Amos 7:10-11).
Amaziah told Amos, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, eat bread there and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary" (Amos 7:12-13).
Amos replied that he was no prophet nor a prophet's son, but a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees (Amos 7:14).
The Lord took him from following the flock and told him to prophesy to Israel (Amos 7:15).
He went on: because Amaziah said "Do not prophesy against Israel", his wife would be a harlot in the city (Amos 7:16-17).
His sons and daughters would fall by the sword (Amos 7:17).
His land would be divided up by line (Amos 7:17).
He himself would die in an unclean land (Amos 7:17).
Israel would surely go into exile away from its land (Amos 7:17).
Explain the clash with Amaziah, then Amos' prophecy against him.