A'MOS, BOOK OF, has a place among the writings of the prophets, undisputed by the Jews, and twice affirmed in the New Testament. It is not made up of detached pre dictions, but is logically and artistically connected in its several parts, and is evidently the mature production of the single author whose name it bears. Nothing is certainly known concerning him besides what he relates of himself—that he was of Tekoa, in Judea, a herdman and cultivator of sycamore fruit, until the Lord called him away from these employments to prophesy unto Israel. Jerome, applying to him words which Paul used concerning himself, calls him "rude in speech, yet not in knowledge." Some modern critics have adopted this view, but Bishop Lowth, with good reason, re jects it; thinking " that the shepherd seer is not at all inferior among the prophets. As in sublimity and magnificence he is almost equal to the greatest, so in splendor and elegance of diction he is scarcely below any." A. prophesied during the reigns of Jeroboam II., king of Israel, and Uzziah, king of Judah, two years before the earth quake which Zachariah, 300 years afterwards, describes as having caused great alarm among the people. The prophecy of A. preceded Isaiah's, to which, and to those of the prophets generally, it serves, in some degree, as an introduction, uttering briefly many predictions which they give more at length. Before his time Israel and Judah had been greatly oppressed by the surrounding nations; but having been relieved, they were then, like their neighbors, living in idolatry, luxury, avarice, and cruelty to the poor. Therefore A. was commanded to denounce judgments against them all. His prophecy has been compared to a thunder-storm, rolling over the surrounding kingdoms, touching Judah in its progress, pouring the fullness of its power on Israel, and passing away with a bright rainbow on its cloud. The book is accordingly divided into three parts. I. Judgments against the neighboring nations. (Chapters i. ii. 1. Syria ; the fulfillment of which, more than half a century after the prediction, is recorded (II. Kings, xvi. 9). 2. Philistia; fulfilled (II. Kings, xviii. 8) a century after. 3.
Tyre; the fulfillment of which was commenced by Nebuchadnezzar, and continued at intervals, until comparatively modern times. 4. .tom; the fulfillment of which, in a great measure delayed until the Mohammedan invasion, was soon after that complete. Amman; the destruction of whose great city, Rabbah, is especially foretold. This city, after it had experienced varied fortunes, the Moslems found in ruins, still remarka ble, even in the east, for their extent and desolation. 6. Noab; of which the palaces of Kirioth are specified as doomed to be destroyed. Of this city, as one of many, modern travelers say, " The ruins are of great extent, with traces of many public buildings. broken columns, private dwellings having low roofs, colossal walls, and massive stone doors. Over these and all the surrounding plains desolation reigns supreme." IL Judg ments against Judah and Israel. (Chapters. ii. 4—ix. 10.) 1. Judah (ii. 4, 5); fulfilled, first, by Nebuchadnezzar, about 200 years after the prediction; and, finally, by the Romans, nearly 700 years later still. 2. Israel (ii. 6—ix. 10); (1) General reproof for their aggravated sins against God, ii. 6-16. (2) .Judgments denounced and the causes of them declared, iii. (3) Remonstrance, five times repeated, against their disregard of former visitations, iv. (4) Lamentation over their approaching ruin, with an earnest exhortation, five times repeated, to seek the Lord that they might even yet be saved, v. 1-24. (5) In view of their continued transgression, notwithstanding the divine forbear ance and care, their captivity and inevitable destruction are declared, with the excep tion, explicitly pledged, that the judgments shall have an end, 5, 25—ix. 10. III. The corning of the Messiah is promised, with the admission of the Gentiles to his kingdom, and the final restoration of Israel, ix.