oracles in the book of Amos contain very few words of instruction or warning. In many cases, the message seems to be that it is already too late; nothing can be done to prevent the coming disaster (see 2:13–16; 3:9–15; 4:1–3; 5:1–3, 16–17; 6:7–14; 7:7–9; 8:1–3). Somewhat surprisingly, moreover, the literary character Amos seems to deny that he is a member of a prophetic guild (7:14). Another central topic where tensions are tangible is divine judgment and mercy. In most passages within chapters 1–6,