While Amos is generally called one of the "minor prophets," the phrase is not used in a derogatory sense. It describes prophets whose books are relatively short in contrast to "major prophets," such as Jeremiah or Ezekiel, who composed longer volumes.
Amos has been called one of the world's great reformers, in spite of his simple and apparently limited background. He frankly admitted that he was a herdman, with no technical prophetic training, a humble "gatherer of sycomore fruit" (Amos 7:14).
In the half century between the end of Elisha's work and the commencement of Amos' career there came a striking change in the political status of Palestine, affecting the prophetic message of the writers of the eighth century B.C., and of Amos in particular. The problems Elisha had faced included war, danger, and famine. The situation with which Amos had to deal was more subtle but equally challenging. War had now been followed by peace, resulting in material prosperity and moral laxity. The need for reform was urgent, and Amos dared to proclaim it.
