Amos and Hosea: The Justice and Mercy of God

The books of Amos and Hosea witness to the breakdown of the northern kingdom of Israel as a manifestation of the justice of God. At the same time, these prophetic traditions reveal facets of divine justice that interweave with divine mercy. Despite differences in structure and focus, both Amos and Hosea evoke an inherent connection between God’s just judgment on the kingdom of Israel and merciful compassion for its people. Both convey divine trust in the possibility of a new, transformed community.