Who Is the Prophet Amos in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer whom God called to prophesy against social injustice and religious hypocrisy in Israel.
Amos was a shepherd and fig farmer whom God called to prophesy against social injustice and religious hypocrisy in Israel.
"But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." — Amos 5:24 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Amos was not a professional prophet but a simple herdsman and gatherer of sycamore fruit from Tekoa in Judah. God called him to deliver a message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of prosperity and complacency. Amos condemned the wealthy for exploiting the poor, corrupting justice, and offering empty religious rituals while ignoring God's moral demands. His famous declaration, 'Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream' (Amos 5:24), has echoed through history as a call for social justice rooted in divine righteousness.
Where It Sits in Scripture
Supporting Passages
"I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Who was Elijah the prophet?
People & Characters
Who Was Elijah the Prophet?
People & Characters
Who Was Daniel the Prophet?
People & Characters
Queen Esther Saves Her People
Esther 1-10 • Kings & Prophets
Micah in the Bible
The Prophet to the Common People
Bible Characters Quiz
Patriarchs, prophets, kings, and disciples — how well do you know them?
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.