While Amos’ audience of Israel is explicitly named, it is also depicted as a society where religion is a significant part of life. Amos tells Israel, “Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days … for so you love to do, O people of Israel.” Despite the sarcastic edge to Amos’ words, he does highlight the frequent occurrence that Israelites carried out the religious duties required. However, it is this devotion to the outward showings of religion that causes condemnation. As an example of outward religious posturing, Israel brings sacrifices to God and yet they do not have the effect Israel desires: “I hate, I despite your festivals, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings … I will not accept them.” Despite carrying out the festivals and offerings that are commanded by God, Amos still announces God’s displeasure with how Israel acts inside the temple: “In the house of their God they drink wine bought with fines they imposed.” Here, Amos combines the inappropriate use of God’s temple with a condemnation of Israel’s social ethics. It is not that Israel acts inappropriately within the temple, but outside of the temple where they mistreat the members of their own community with fines and other forms of oppression. …show more content…
The Lord says through Amos, “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals—they who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth.” This judgment comes after a series of seven oracles against other nations at the start of the book, with the repeated formula of “for three transgressions of … and for four, I will not revoke the punishment” introducing each judgment against Israel’s neighbors—and ultimately against Israel