Describe the social, political and economic situation in Israel during the time of Prophet Amos .

      

Describe the social, political and economic situation in Israel during the time of Prophet Amos .

  

Answers


Eric
When Amos prophesied, King Jeroboam ruled Israel, the northern kingdom while King Uzziah
ruled Judah. Amos was sent to prophesy to the people of Israel in the northern kingdom. He
concentrated his work mainly in Bethel and Samaria – the capital city of Israel and the main
centres of worship.
When Amos started his prophesy, there was peace and prosper in Israel and Judah. Both kingdoms
were wealthy. However, the wealth did not reach the poor. This was because the wealth and power
were in the hands of the king, his family, his officials, and wealthy merchants. As a result, Israel
citizens were divided into two classes; the rich and the poor.
Unfortunately, the rich people owned big luxurious houses. They drunk wine, and used the most
expensive perfumes. They acquired their wealth at the expense of the poor. They oppressed and
exploited the poor. The merchants of trade for example, were dishonest in their trade businesses.
They sold bad wheat to unsuspecting customers and overcharged customers by measuring with
false scales. Because of the inflated prices, the poor borrowed money from the rich at high interest
rates to buy basic things like food. Hence, there was massive bribery and corruption in society and
law courts.
As a result the poor lacked basic necessities or needs like food, shelter, and clothing. It was at this
time when God sent Amos to give prophesy to Israel.
ericmunguti answered the question on September 28, 2018 at 04:04


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