The Prophetic Critique of the Priority of the Cult: A Study of Amos 5:21-24 and Isaiah 1:10-17

Synopsis: When Jesus overturned the carts of the merchants in the temple he was just the latest in a long line of people who decried the activities that took place there. To understand his actions better one must go back in history to the eighth century BCE to the first two prophets to criticize the temple cult: Amos and Isaiah. Their criticism of all worship activities came as a result of the people setting wrong priorities in their lives. What happens in the temple should extend into regular everyday activities in the home in the market in business dealings at work and at the city gate. Amos and Isaiah present similar oracles that address the prioritization of worship over real life. This book looks closely at their oracles comparing and contrasting them and analyzes what they were trying to teach the people. Endorsements: Lafferty shows that Amos and Isaiah seek neither mere social justice nor an abolition of the cult but a reprioritization of interpersonal activities in favor of justice and righteousness. This is a major original contribution to scholarship. --Francis T. Gignac Ordinary Professor and Area Director of Biblical Studies The Catholic University of America Author Biography: Lafferty shows that Amos and Isaiah seek neither mere social justice nor an abolition of the cult but a reprioritization of interpersonal activities in favor of justice and righteousness. This is a major original contribution to scholarship. --Francis T. Gignac Ordinary Professor and Area Director of Biblical Studies The Catholic University of America