Bible Figure
Amaziah
priest from Bethel, mentioned in the Book of Amos
Amaziah was the priest of the sanctuary at Bethel who opposed the prophet Amos and reported his preaching to King Jeroboam II.
Biography
Amos 7 recounts Amaziah, priest of Bethel, accusing Amos before Jeroboam II of conspiracy because the prophet announced judgment on the royal house and exile for Israel. Amaziah told Amos to flee to Judah, earn his bread there, and stop prophesying at Bethel, which he called the king's sanctuary and a temple of the kingdom. Amos replied that he had not belonged to a professional prophetic guild but had been a herdsman and dresser of sycamore figs until the Lord called him. Amos then pronounced personal judgment on Amaziah and renewed the announcement that Israel would go into exile.
Biblical Significance
Amaziah embodies institutional religious resistance to God's prophetic word. His confrontation with Amos highlights the conflict between royal religion at Bethel and a prophet commissioned directly by the Lord.