Topical Encyclopedia Amaziah, a priest at Bethel, is a notable figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the prophetic ministry of Amos. His role and actions are recorded in the Book of Amos, where he is depicted as an adversary to the prophet Amos and a representative of the idolatrous practices that had taken root in the northern kingdom of Israel.Historical Context Amaziah served as a priest during the reign of Jeroboam II, a time when the northern kingdom of Israel was experiencing both political stability and spiritual decline. Bethel, where Amaziah ministered, was one of the two main centers of idol worship established by Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom, to prevent the Israelites from traveling to Jerusalem in Judah to worship at the temple. Bethel housed one of the golden calves that Jeroboam I had set up, which became a significant center of idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-29). Confrontation with Amos The most prominent account of Amaziah is found in Amos 7:10-17. In this passage, Amaziah confronts Amos, who had been prophesying against Israel's idolatry and social injustices. Disturbed by Amos's messages, Amaziah sends a report to King Jeroboam II, accusing Amos of conspiracy and treason: "Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying: 'Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words'" (Amos 7:10). Amaziah then directly challenges Amos, instructing him to leave Bethel and return to Judah: "Get out, you seer! Go back to the land of Judah. Earn your bread there and do your prophesying there" (Amos 7:12). Amaziah's words reveal his perception of Amos as a mere professional prophet, rather than a true messenger of God. Amos's Response In response, Amos clarifies his divine calling, emphasizing that he was not a prophet by profession but was called by God to deliver His message: "I was neither a prophet nor the son of a prophet, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees. But the LORD took me from tending the flock and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel'" (Amos 7:14-15). Amos then delivers a dire prophecy against Amaziah, foretelling the priest's personal downfall and the impending judgment on Israel: "Therefore, this is what the LORD says: 'Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be divided up with a measuring line, and you yourself will die in a pagan country. And Israel will surely go into exile, away from their native land'" (Amos 7:17). Significance Amaziah's encounter with Amos highlights the tension between true prophetic voices and established religious authorities who had strayed from God's commandments. Amaziah's role as a priest at Bethel, a center of idolatry, underscores the spiritual corruption that had permeated Israel's religious practices. His opposition to Amos serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing political allegiance and institutional power over faithfulness to God's word. Amaziah's account is a reminder of the importance of discernment and the courage required to stand for truth in the face of opposition. His legacy is one of resistance to divine correction, illustrating the broader theme of Israel's struggle with idolatry and the consequences of turning away from the covenant with God. Nave's Topical Index Amos 7:10-17Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos has conspired against you in the middle of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words. Nave's Topical Index Library The Assyrian Captivity Amos and Obadiah. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Twelve Minor Prophets. The Prophet Amos. The Prophet Hosea. Resources Who was Azariah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the city of Petra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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