The prophets came from many different backgrounds. The prophet Amos, for example, tended flocks and cared for sycamore trees before the Lord called him to the prophetic ministry (Amos 7:14). Isaiah often spoke directly to Judah’s royal house (Isa. 7:3–9; 37:6–7, 21–35; 38:1–8; 39:3–8); Jewish tradition suggests that he may even have been a relative of King Uzziah, though this is uncertain.3 Jeremiah grew up among the priests of the village of Anathoth (Jer. 1:1). In
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