Amos described himself as “a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees” (7.14). The latter tree is not the same as a North American “sycamore” (Platanus occidentalis), but a type of wild fig tree (Ficus sycomorus). These wild figs were gathered by poor people. The small fruit of this tree was inferior to that from the domesticated fig tree (Ficus carica). By “dressing” or gashing the small fruit of this tree, Amos and his cohorts hastened their ripening. This single, vivid detail about Amos's background in 7.14 speaks volumes about the prophet's ethics and harsh tone. It explains his
...more
