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"Amaziah the priest of Bethel"

Text: Amos 7:10

OPPOSITION AGAINST AMOS

Amos was not popular as a prophet in the land of Israel. His messages seemed too harsh. They failed to appreciate his intercessory prayers for the nation. One of the strong opponents of Amos was a priest called Amaziah.

“Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king
of Israel, saying, ‘Amos has conspired against you in the
midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear
all his words. For thus Amos has said:
‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword,
And Israel shall surely be led away captive
From their own land.'”
Amos 7:10-11

1. “Amaziah the priest of Bethel”

a) He was a priest but not necessarily from the line of Aaron.

b) Jeroboam I made it possible for anyone to become a priest (1 Kings 12:31).

c) Bethel was one of the original places of worship installed by Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:29).

d) Calf-worship was prevalent in Bethel from the days of Jeroboam I (1 Kings 12:32).

2. He sent a report to King Jeroboam II

a) He sent a scathing report.

b) He was totally against the ministry of Amos.

c) He wrote to urge the king to take action against Amos.

3. The charge laid against Amos

a) That Amos had conspired against the king.

i) This is essentially a charge of treason.

ii) The penalty for treason was death.

b) Calculated words to inflame the anger of Jeroboam II.

i) That King Jeroboam would die by the sword.

ii) That Israel could be captured by enemies.

4. Amaziah’s assessment

a) He was well aware of the strength of the ministry of Amos.

b) The teachings of Amos could not be tolerated any further.

c) The land could not bear with further teachings of Amos.

d) He was leading a conspiracy against the king and the nation of Israel.