Book 30 of 39 in the Old Testament — Social justice.
Amos was a shepherd from Judah called to prophesy against the northern kingdom of Israel during a period of prosperity and complacency. He condemns the wealthy for exploiting the poor while maintaining a veneer of religious observance, insisting that true worship is inseparable from justice. His famous call for justice to ‘roll on like a river’ has echoed through movements for social justice ever since. The book closes with a promise that God would eventually restore what judgment had torn down.
“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”King James Version
God does nothing without revealing his plans to his servants the prophets.
“But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”King James Version
Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:”King James Version
God warns of a coming famine of hearing his word.
“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:”King James Version
God promises to restore David's fallen tent.
“And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.”King James Version
God promises to restore his people's fortunes and rebuild their cities.