A Study of Amos And Hosea: Implications for African Public Theology
Author: Isaac Boaheng
ISBN 978-9988-9389-1-8
DOI: 10.38159/npub.eb2024401
Published: 24th April, 2024.
The book is organized in eight chapters. The first chapter focuses on how prophecy emerged and developed in ancient Israel. The next three chapters deal with the background and theology of Amos which centers around the Yahweh’s justice and righteousness. Chapters Five to Seven bring out the message of Hosea within his religious, economic, cultural and political contexts. Finally, the study draws out lessons for African public theology in areas such as politics, economics, and environmental care.
The book is written in simple English to facilitate comprehension. It is my hope that this book will serve as a catalyst for dialogue, introspection, and social engagement. May the prophetic voices of Amos and Hosea continue to challenge and inspire us as we strive towards the realization of a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.
ISAAC BOAHENG (PhD)
19TH APRIL, 2024
SUNYANI, GHANA
The study of the prophets Amos and Hosea offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Hebrew Bible. These two men of God responded to the crises of the eighth century in very different ways. Amos called for justice and mercy, especially with regard to the poor and needy while Hosea called for purity and faithfulness in respect of their worship of Yahweh. Both men served in the northern kingdom of Israel against the backdrop of the looming Assyrian threat.
In this book, Isaac Boaheng, one of our emerging young African scholars, supplies a solid guide to the reading and study of the two prophets, allowing the reader to understand these two books in their social and historical contexts. At the same time, the reader is equipped to relate these books to their own contexts and contemporary challenges. My prayer is that this work will encourage other young scholars from Africa to conduct similar research to facilitate an encounter between theology and the society.
Enjoy therefore the journey and learn from the wisdom and theological insights of two of the greatest writers among the prophets.
Reverend Professor Bill Domeris,
Former Professor of Old Testament –
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Senior Academic – The South African Theological Seminary,
Johannesburg, South Africa.
DEDICATION………………………………………………………………….. iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………… iv
FOREWORD…………………………………………………………………….. vi
PREFACE………………………………………………………………………. viii
CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………. x
CHAPTER ONE…………………………………………………………………. 1
INTRODUCING BIBLICAL PROPHECY……………………………. 1
Pre-monarchical Prophets…………………………………………………. 1
Pre-classical (non-writing) Prophets…………………………………… 2
Classical (writing) Prophets………………………………………………. 4
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………… 6
CHAPTER TWO………………………………………………………………… 8
INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF AMOS……………………………… 8
Uniqueness of Amos………………………………………………………… 8
Amos the Prophet and His Calling……………………………………. 10
Authorship and Composition of the Book of Amos……………. 15
Structure of the Book of Amos………………………………………… 23
Literary Features in Amos………………………………………………. 28
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………. 35
Review Exercises…………………………………………………………… 36
CHAPTER THREE…………………………………………………………… 37
CONTEXTUAL ISSUES IN THE BOOK OF AMOS…………… 37
Historico-Political Context……………………………………………… 37
Socio-Economic Context………………………………………………… 42
Religious Context…………………………………………………………… 49
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………. 52
Review Exercises…………………………………………………………… 53
CHAPTER FOUR…………………………………………………………….. 54
THEOLOGY OF AMOS……………………………………………………. 54
The Sovereignty of Yahweh……………………………………………. 54
Ethical Monotheism……………………………………………………….. 59
Sin……………………………………………………………………………….. 64
Covenant………………………………………………………………………. 71
The Day of Yahweh……………………………………………………….. 76
Justice…………………………………………………………………………… 79
Judgment………………………………………………………………………. 91
Future Restoration………………………………………………………….. 97
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. 103
Review Exercises…………………………………………………………. 104
CHAPTER FIVE…………………………………………………………….. 106
INTRODUCING THE BOOK OF HOSEA………………………… 106
Author and Date…………………………………………………………… 106
Audience and Purpose…………………………………………………… 109
Hosea the Prophet………………………………………………………… 111
Structure of the Book of Hosea………………………………………. 113
Literary Features in the Book Hosea………………………………. 114
Hosea’s Marriage…………………………………………………………. 116
The symbolic names of Hosea’s children………………………… 121
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. 127
Review Exercises…………………………………………………………. 127
CHAPTER SIX……………………………………………………………….. 128
CONTEXTUAL ISSUES IN THE BOOK OF HOSEA……….. 128
Historico-Political Context……………………………………………. 128
Socio-economic Context……………………………………………….. 130
Religious Context…………………………………………………………. 131
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. 135
Review Exercises…………………………………………………………. 136
CHAPTER SEVEN…………………………………………………………. 137
THEOLOGY OF HOSEA………………………………………………… 137
Covenant…………………………………………………………………….. 137
Sin……………………………………………………………………………… 147
Judgment…………………………………………………………………….. 154
Eschatological Restoration…………………………………………….. 158
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. 166
Review Exercises…………………………………………………………. 166
CHAPTER EIGHT………………………………………………………….. 168
IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICAN PUBLIC THEOLOGY…… 168
Defining Public Theology……………………………………………… 168
Political life…………………………………………………………………. 170
The Church………………………………………………………………….. 173
Financial Ethics……………………………………………………………. 179
Environment Ethics………………………………………………………. 180
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….. 183
CONCLUDING REMARKS…………………………………………….. 184
ADDITIONAL REVIEW EXERCISE……………………………….. 186
SUBJECT INDEX…………………………………………………………… 191
Isaac Boaheng holds a PhD in Theology from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Christian Ethics at the Christian Service University College, Ghana, and a Research Fellow at the Department of Biblical and Religion Studies, University of the Free State, South Africa.
Boaheng, Isaac. A Study of Amos And Hosea: Implications for African Public Theology. (Accra: Noyam, 2024).