Still, this narrative is well integrated into its present literary context.33 I find it likely that it was inserted exactly here in order to solve a theological problem posed by the sequence of the vision reports. Since no other reason is given for YHWH’s change of mind, from compassion (in the second vision) to pitilessness (in the third vision), this sinister development appears to be due to the cessation of prophetic intercession. But why did Amos stop praying for the people? Why was he not, in