The nation of Israel overflowed with optimism at the height of her economic, political and military strength. Business was flourishing and material wealth abounded and the people were smug about it. They became morally corrupt and had no compassion for the poor. Spiritually, they had forgotten God and sacrificed to idols. God sent Amos from Judah to speak against the sin of the people. His message was strong and stinging and the people hated it, telling him to go back to Judah. In spite of their failure to listen, Amos was faithful in carrying out God's message at this critical time in their history.