An Exegetical Study of Amos 5:10-15, with Particular Reference to Promoting Social Justice in Lesotho

Abstract

Lesotho's stagnant economic growth, political instability, social corruption and appalling state of unemployment are signs of the wide-spread poverty that has plagued the country since her independence from Great Britain in 1966. This situation has remained a national challenge becoming even more critical in 2012, when, after the historic elections, the government was led by losing parties. Whenever corruption becomes common-place in the public service, when citizens are denied participatory rights and anti-corruption policies and accountability mechanisms fail, it is the masses that suffer the most. In an attempt to address the present socio-political corruption in Lesotho, this research seeks to find relevance in the biblical text of Amos 5:10-15. This passage highlights Amos’ indictment of Israel’s socio-political and religious evils during the eighth century B.C, Israel’s heyday of great wealth and luxury, the oppression of the poor and the moral decay. The research strategy reviews scholarship pertaining to social justice/injustice in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Amos, and also in the wider modern world context. It uses an exegetical approach to survey the historical and literary contexts of Amos 5:10-15, and the book’s overall theological themes. It also makes use of other features of critical study to determine its significance and original message. The relevance of the message of Amos is looked for in the notable incidents of social corruption in Lesotho following the inception of the coalition government in 2012. The mapping of the political situation that led to the establishment of coalition governments gives the background to the form and the trends of corruption currently found in all sectors. The perpetual suffering of the poor in Lesotho is a clear sign of a life-long crippled justice system and a rejection of human rights. A system where the wealthy and the VI socially powerful lord it over the poor has created a dilemma that can only be challenged by faith communities. Amos’ prophecy against the social injustices of Israel of his time is still relevant to the injustices of our time.