Amos

• DatesMinistry about 760–750 BC (debated)
• GenreMinor Prophets
• AuthorshipAmos of Tekoa
• TimelineDivided Kingdom
• Key textsAmos 1–2; Amos 5; Amos 7; Amos 9
• Read the textAmos in the World English Bible
• Covered in classSession 3, Session 10

What the sources say, and how sure we are

• The text says

  Amos was a herdsman from Tekoa in Judah, who prophesied in Israel “two years before the earthquake” in the days of Uzziah and Jeroboam II.Amos 1:1; Amos 7:14–15

• Outside evidence

  Excavations at Hazor and other sites show an earthquake destruction layer in the mid-8th century BC, which many scholars link to the earthquake in Amos 1:1. The link is debated.Amos 1:1; Zech 14:5

• Debated

  Some scholars treat the promise of restoration in Amos 9:11–15 as a later addition, perhaps from the exile. Others accept it as original.Amos 9:11–15

• Christian conclusion

  James quotes Amos 9:11–12 at the Jerusalem council to explain the welcome of Gentiles into the church.Acts 15:15–18