Amos

A prophet [[➝ prophets]], but no professional in that role (Amos 7:14). From Judah in the south, he denounced evils in Israel, the northern kingdom, during the reign of Jeroboam Ⅱ (c.786–746 BCE). Coming from the countryside near Bethlehem, Amos was appalled by the urban luxury he encountered (Amos 3:15), and foresaw military catastrophe (Amos 6:14) as the instrument of God's judgement. Earlier prophets (Elijah, Elisha) have their messages recorded in the historical books. Amos is the first prophet whose words are in his own book. His message of doom, rejected by the royal house (7:10–17), is therefore reaffirmed in writing with a good deal of literary skill. The invasions under Tiglath-Pileser Ⅲ began in 734 BCE, not long after Amos has given his warning.