Amoz is a biblical figure recognized primarily as the father of the prophet Isaiah, one of the major prophets in the Old Testament. His name, Amoz, is of Hebrew origin and is often understood to mean "strong" or "brave." While the Bible provides limited information about Amoz himself, his significance is largely derived from his relationship to Isaiah, whose prophetic ministry had a profound impact on the history and theology of Israel.

Biblical References

Amoz is mentioned in the context of identifying Isaiah in several passages. The Berean Standard Bible references Amoz in the following verses:

1. Isaiah 1:1 : "This is the vision concerning Judah and Jerusalem that Isaiah son of Amoz saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah."

2. Isaiah 2:1 : "This is the message that was revealed to Isaiah son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem."

3. 2 Kings 19:2 : "He sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz."

4. 2 Chronicles 32:20 : "In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer about this."

These references consistently identify Isaiah as the "son of Amoz," establishing Amoz's role as the father of one of the most influential prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Historical and Theological Context

While the Bible does not provide specific details about Amoz's life, his mention in connection with Isaiah suggests that he was a person of some standing, possibly within a prophetic or priestly family. Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several Judean kings, indicating that Amoz lived during a period of significant political and spiritual activity in the Southern Kingdom of Judah.

Isaiah's prophecies addressed issues of social justice, idolatry, and the need for repentance, and they included profound messianic predictions that Christians interpret as foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ. The fact that Isaiah is consistently identified as the "son of Amoz" underscores the importance of familial lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, highlighting the role of family in the transmission of faith and tradition.

Jewish Tradition and Extra-Biblical Sources

Jewish tradition holds that Amoz was a brother of Amaziah, king of Judah, which would make Isaiah a member of the royal family. This tradition, while not explicitly supported by the biblical text, suggests a possible reason for Isaiah's access to the kings of Judah and his influence in the royal court.

Conclusion

Amoz, though a relatively obscure figure in the biblical text, is integral to the identity of Isaiah, one of the most significant prophets in the Old Testament. His mention serves as a reminder of the familial and historical contexts that shape the lives and ministries of biblical figures.2 Kings 19:2,20
And he sent Eliakim, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz.
Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 20:1
In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, Thus said the LORD, Set your house in order; for you shall die, and not live.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 1:1
The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 13:1
The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Isaiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus