Amos' Intercessory Formula

Abstract

The conventional interpretation of Amos as a preacher of judgment and doom is under challenge, so that now he is placed either in a context of covenant worship or wisdom teaching 1). But curiously the conventional interpretation of judgment and doom had one important moment of respite in the intercessory formula of vii 2, 5 which persists. This has usually been interpreted to show Amos' appeal to Yahweh as an expression of compassion and tenderness which is quite unexpected on the usual assumption of doom and judgment 2) The present examination of the intercessory formula will argue that the form is not simply a departure from judgment and doom in a rare moment of tenderness. While it may manifest tenderness, the formula is better understood in the context of covenant liturgy and lawsuit 3).