Journey Through the Minor Prophets, Part 1Намуна

Amos: Behind the Text

Take a look at Amos’ profession to see how it might have given him ample opportunity to learn about the conditions up north.

Amos, Shepherd & Fig-Pricker‚ Ronit Maoz

iMap: Places in Amos

Dan (“judgment”)
This site was in the extreme north of Israel and was a popular pilgrimage site for worshipers. Jeroboam placed a second golden calf here (1 Kings 12:28). Amos warns that swearing by Dan would not keep them from falling (Amos 8:14).

Carmel (“vineyard”)
This perpetually fertile hill on the coast, where Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, was often the last place impacted by drought or famine. Amos warns that God will “hunt down and seize” those who hide on Carmel (Amos 9:3).

Samaria (“watch tower”)
The city became the capital of Israel under Omri, whose relationship with Phoenicia brought in great wealth—and pagan worship. Artifacts of ivory and surviving records illustrate Samaria’s affluence, yet the inhabitants were about to be driven out of the land in judgment (Amos 4:1–2).

Bethel (“House of God”)
In order to keep worshipers from going to Jerusalem, Jeroboam established a calf idol at Bethel (1 Kings 12:28). Because Bethel is a place where people go to sin (Amos 4:4) rather than to worship, it will be “reduced to nothing” (Amos 5:5).

Gilgal (“wheel” or “rolling”)
Gilgal was a refuge and worship site commemorating the first entrance of the tribes into the land of Israel. The “wheel” city will be carried into exile (Amos 5:5).

Tekoa (“trumpet”)
This city just south of Jerusalem in Judah was a pastoral community with fig tree orchards and shepherding as its main sources of livelihood. Amos is sent from this city by YHWH, who “roars from Zion” (Amos 1:1).

Beersheva (“Well of seven” or “Well of the oath”)
Beersheba was a city with rich associations going back to the patriarchs. Worshipers are now told to avoid going to Beersheba (Amos 5:5).