“It is not at all surprising that Amos is rebuked by Amaziah, the high priest, for it is, after all, the selfish religious establishment which has led the people into this institutionalized and meaningless form of religion.”

Read: Amos 7:10-17

“The wickedness against which Amos speaks is also seen in the political chaos which comes following Jeroboam’s death.”

Read: 2 Kings 14:28-29, 2 Kings 15:8-18

Era of Uzziah and Jotham in Judah

“King Uzziah, also known as Azariah, has reigned over Judah with great success.  But his good fortune is about to go to his head, and he will suffer serious illness for his presumptuousness.  Uzziah’s illness will necessitate a co-regent to run the day-to-day affairs of state.  Uzziah’s son Jotham is a good leader, but he is not the religious man needed by this materialistic, immoral, unjust, and complacent people.”

Read: 2 Kings 15:5, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21

All quotations taken from The Daily Bible.