The Purpose of the Historical Information in Amos 1:1

Among the prophets in the Book of the Twelve the superscription of Amos is comparatively unique and lengthy, containing information such as regnal years, hometown, profession, and an earthquake. The superscriptions of the previous Joel and following Obadiah are quite brief in comparison. Joel’s superscription simply provides a patronym and Obadiah is bereft of any such information, only identifying the subject matter, Edom, of the book. Analysis of the content of Amos 1:1 (and the immediately following verse 2) reveal striking linguistic parallels with the previous book of Joel. For example, the twofold trumpeting of Joel 2:2, 15 is expressed by the identical root (תקע) present in the name of Amos’ hometown (תקוע). The roaring from Zion and the shaking in Joel 4:16 in the day of the Lord (Joel 4:14), are nicely matched in Amos 1:1-2a. The divine roaring is repeated word for word, consisting of an entire bicolon, in Joel 4:16a and Amos 1:2 Such evidence indicates a purposeful linking of the two books of Joel and Amos together. The near word for word repetition of Joel 4:18a in Amos 9:13c confirms this editorial purpose. The earthquake of Amos 1:1 is also mentioned in Zechariah 14:5, where it is explicitly compared to the eschatological yet shaking to come. Both are dated to the time of Uzziah. All three earthquakes of Joel 4:16, Amos 1:1 and Zech 14:15 are thus connected by explicit linguistic parallels. Consequently, the content of the superscription of Amos 1:1 does not have historical background information as its primary purpose. Rather, it functions to link together the message of the two consecutive books of Joel and Amos. Such evidence also provides support for the integrated nature of the larger Book of the Twelve (תרי עשׂר).