The Marzeah Festival and the Judgment of Israel in Amos 6:4–7

Abstract

Amos, who addressed his prophecy to the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II, is widely seen as a prophet of social injustice, since the minority wealthy elite groups in Israel were living a luxurious lifestyle at the expense of the poor. However, a close examination of the prophet's words will show that the worship of other gods was also one among other reasons of Israel's judgment by God. This is clear from the passage taken from Amos 6:4–7 that the cultic festival of Marzeah (Amos 6:7) was a direct reason for Israel to be taken exile.

---