Ambrose and Amaziah, two prominent members of the Association of Traditional Prophets at Bethel, had come together with others to discuss the recent occurrences that had taken place at the town square. They were ready to delineate a course of action in response to the prophesies of Amos. Israel was at this time enjoying an unparalleled social prosperity and political rest. There was no reason for anyone to be casting clouds of gloom and dismay upon the people. "Dear Ambrose, can you believe what happened at the town square yesterday?" asked Amaziah. "The whole town was shocked. Where did this man come from? What was all the shouting about?" he added. Ambrose did not say much at first, he was still trying to make sense of what he had seen and heard the day before.
Amos had stood in the downtown area shouting from the top of his voice oracles of condemnation upon gentile cities and upon the people of Israel. His demeanor projected intense anger, foretelling God's punishment and destruction of Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab. When Amos declared this, there were those who smiled. Especially the older Israelites. At first, the religious leaders tolerated and even relished Amos' announcement of God's impending wrath falling upon these gentile folks. But the crowds irrupted with disdain for Amos when he condemned the pagan practices of Israel. He boldly condemned the oppression of the rich over the poor. He lashed out against the noble people for the vile and guile in exerting usury to enrich themselves by the meager earnings of the poor.
Ambrose leaned against his staff as he recalled some of the pronouncements of the new prophet. Wondering how this could have happened he said to the assembly, "Who does Amos think he is? There is not one in Israel who is allowed to speak on behalf of God without prophetic certification and authentication. There is no noble glitter in him. He lacks resounding intellectual brilliance. He is but merely a despicable simpleton, a sheep herder!"
Amaziah was also perturbed. He grumbled, "How could God speak such things through the mouth of such a common man? This whole thing is absolutely ludicrous."
"You are right!?" shouted Ambrose. "What really bothers me," he went on vehemently, "is not only who said it, but also what this charlatan had to say. He offended our distinguished women by calling them 'cows of Bashan.'"
"That alone should have gotten Amos killed," added Amaziah.
Both men continued to voice their concerns over the oracles of Amos. The rest of the prophets were nodding in agreement. Ambrose proceeded to speak, "Why would Amos declare that God will destroy our noble women with hooks, to sweep our cities away with fire, to devour our land with swarms of locusts. It seems to me that he is just a poor shepherd who is jealous of our prosperity."
Many of the younger prophets spoke up. There was a consensus that Amos would have to be forced to be silent. One of the younger prophets cautioned the assembly that the Association had the responsibility to verify prophetic utterances before passing a condemnation.
"What other verification do we need than this," argued Amaziah.
"Listen again to what Amos said yesterday: 'Your wife will become a prostitute in the city. Your sons and daughters will be measured and divided up, and you yourself will die in a pagan country. Israel will certainly go into exile, away form their native land.' What more proof do we need?"
Everyone agreed that God would not allow his people to be ravished by merciless pagans. "What are we going to do?" questioned Ambrose.
The association of prophets seemed more determined to take immediate action. "I propose the following," interjected Amaziah. "Let us send a message to King Jeroboam explaining that Amos is raising a conspiracy against him at the very heart of Israel. Then, we will expel Amos from our city."
"Let us exile him!" shouted the assembly in unison.
The meeting was abruptly interrupted by a young agitated prophet who fumbled into the meeting gasping for air. "Amos is out on main street prophesying to the people," he informed.
"What are we going to do next?" replied Ambrose.
"Shut him up, shut him up," they yelled as they pounded on the tables. Everyone got up and headed to the town square.
SHOUT OR SHUT UP - STUDY NOTES
Objectives
A. To identify the qualifications of a prophet in the community of faith.
B. To reflect on the role of the prophet in the community of faith.
C. To explore the role the prophet plays in addressing socio-economic, political, and human rights violations both within the community of faith and its surrounding social context.
D. To develop contemporary applications or models of a prophetic ministry addressing some of the social issues of the secular context of your local church.
Preparing For The Case
A. Read through the book of Amos in one sitting.
B. Identify the major issues Amos is addressing.
C. Define the audience Amos is prophesying to.
D. Describe the nature of the prophetic oracles.
E. Describe the theology of God as expressed in Amos.
F. Click on the "study" and "books" buttons and read the information on the book of Amos.
G. Reread the case study.
Opening
A. Describe the characters.
1. Who are they?
2. What are their concerns?
B. Identify the important issues of the case.
1. How do you know who is a prophet?
2. How do you authenticate prophecy?
3. What happens when a prophet challenges the status quo?
Prophecy and the Community of Faith.
A. Analysis
1. Summarize what could have been going on in Amos' mind in relationship to speaking on behalf of God and the response he received from the people of Israel. (i.e. Was Amos intimidated by the noble leaders? Was he afraid that no one would listen to him? Did he fear for his life and safety?)
2. How did the community faith deal with prophecies?
3. Is there a way to test the veracity of prophecy? How can one be sure?
B. For Group Study - Role Play
1. A student will play Amos prophesying in class.
2. Four students will play the part of members of The Association of Prophets.
3. Two students will play the part of King Jeroboam formulating a response to Amos after listening to the complaints of a noble woman from Israel.
Theological Reflection
A. Are there modern prophets? Yes or No? Give ample biblical evidence to support your answer.
B. Does the church have a prophetic ministry in addressing socioeconomic issues and injustice? (i.e., What is the church's ministry to the poor?)
C. How does the prophet resolve the tension of speaking up for the oppressed and calling the oppressor to repentance? (i.e., Should there be punishment or forgiveness to those who committed war crimes in Bosnia?)
