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One of the minor Prophets, a native of Tekoa in Judah, possibly the father of the prophet Isaiah. He told Amaziah, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdsman and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: and the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel." Amos 7: 14, 15. His language indicates an acquaintance with things that would be familiar to one leading an agricultural life: cf. Amos 2: 13; Amos 3: 12; Amos 4: 9; Amos 5: 8; Amos 6: 12; Amos 7: 1, 2. He tells us that his prophecy was given in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and of Jeroboam II, son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake; or at least began at that time. Amos 1: 1. For about 25 years these two kings were contemporaneous: B.C. 810- 785.