Social Criticism in the Books of Amos and Malachi

Abstract

Zech 7:7-10 summarises the word proclaimed by the prophets in the context of social criticism. However, this approach does not lead to a unified view of the Twelve Minor Prophets. While the theme is present in all three major sections of the book of Amos, it seems to be mentioned only incidentally in the book of Malachi. Yet changes in the social context could have been conducive to the development of such a critical voice.

In addition to the detail of the prophetic motivation, we should also note the difference in the oppressed. While Mal 3:5b basically evokes the group of personae miserae, the book of Amos is more concerned with the hardships of those social strata whose economic survival is threatened. There is, however, an important similarity in the parallelism of the terms used to describe the abuses. And although both books emphasise the role of the violated מִשְׁפָּט, there is a huge difference in naming who is to blame for the violation. While the picture of the disorder in Samaria is one of human responsibility, Mal 2:17 questions God's authority.

Finally, the incorporation of socio-ethical abuses into the prophetic argument is a fundamental and essential element of the thought structure of both books. The logical structure thus created is designed to unfold the message of divine judgement.