A former shepherd of Tekoa who became one of the twelve minor prophets, Amos exercised his ministry during the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II. Persecuted by the priest Amaziah for his prophecies, he died in 785 BC from a wound inflicted by a spear. His work is distinguished by a simple style and vigorous pastoral imagery.
Guided reading
3 reading sections
SAINT AMOS, PROPHET (785 BC)
Origins and prophetic vocation
Amos, a shepherd in Tekoa, is called by God to become a prophet during the reigns of Uzziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel.
Amos Amos One of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. , one of the twelve minor prophets, flourished unde r Uzziah, king of Osias, roi de Juda King of Judah under whom Amos prophesied. Judah , and Jeroboam II, king o Jéroboam II, roi d'Israël King of Israel, contemporary of the prophet Amos. f Israel. Before God charged him with the mission of a prophet, he tended flocks in Tekoa Thécné Homeland of Amos, identified with ancient Tekoa. , his homeland. Although his prophecies, contained in nine chapters, are written in a simple style, one finds in them comparisons drawn from his former state that are as accurate as they are picturesque. Images taken from pastoral life give his diction a coloring that lacks neither charm nor vigor.
Conflict with Amaziah and martyrdom
Accused of treason by the priest Amaziah, Amos refuses to flee and dies from a wound inflicted by the priest's son.
Amaziah, priest of Bethel, accused him of having predicted that Jeroboam would die by the sword; this prince wanted to banish him from his states. Amaziah advised him to take refuge in the kingdom of Judah; but, seeing that Amos would not consent to betray his mission, nor to retreat before danger, he subjected him to all sorts of mistreatment. His son Uzziah drove a spear into his head: th e holy Prophet wa le saint Prophète One of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. s transported half-dead to Tek oa whe Thécné Homeland of Amos, identified with ancient Tekoa. re he died almost immediately and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors, in the year 785 before Jesus Christ.
Cult and sources
The prophet is honored by the Greeks on June 15, according to the works of the hagiographer Baillet.
The Greeks honor him on June 15. According to Bai Baillet French hagiographer, author of the Vies des Saints. llet.
Annexes & related entities
Structured data for exploration: events, miracles, quotes, places, attributes, patronages, and important entities cited in the text.
Key Events
- Herdsman in Tekoa
- God's call to the prophetic mission
- Writing of prophecies in nine chapters
- Accusation by Amaziah, priest of Bethel
- Assaulted by Amaziah with a spear to the head
- Died in Tekoa from his wounds