God judges a nation for injustice

God sent Amos, of Tekoa of Judah, to prophesy to Israel. Both Israel and Judah were experiencing growth and prosperity under the reigns of Jeroboam 11 in Israel and Uzziah in Judah. Yet, both kingdoms had broken God's covenant and were filled with sin.

Amos tended sheep possibly cattle, and the bitter figs from the sycamore-fig tree. So, what qualifications did he have to be a prophet? He had all the qualifications he needed--he had been called by God. Sadly, neither nation listened to Amos and both were judged.

Sin will not go unpunished it has a built in reward. Amos prophesied about 100 years after Elijah and Micaiah. Amos told Israel they had erred by rejecting God's law, worshiping false gods, and following their ancestor's sinful ways.

Knowledge brings responsibility--The Lord had given Israel the Ten Commandments on how to live a holy life. And whenever Israel stayed, he steered them back. So when judgment came, they were without excuse.