When social injustices and religious malpractices of Israel had reached its peak, Amos condemned the social and religious immoralities among the people. The priest of the royal sanctuary at Bethel, Amaziah reported Amos to the king accusing him of conspiracy and sedition. Amos was then ordered to go back to Judah where he belonged, to prophesy and earn his living there. He was warned never to prophesy in Israel again because it was a royal sanctuary. Amos replied Amaziah that it was when he (Amos) was tending the flock that the Lord sent him to prophesy to Israel.



Since Amaziah stood against his prophecy, he pronounced the following curses on him:
(a) Amaziah's wife would become a harlot in the city.
(b) His sons and daughter would be slained by the sword.
(c) His land would be divided by line.
(d) Israel would surely go into exile, away from its land.