In the book of Amos, there is mentioned a character known as “Amaziah, priest of Bethel.”
Who is he?
This Amaziah (not to be confused with other Amaziahs named in the Bible) was a pagan priest offering idolatrous sacrifices in the city of Bethel.
The Catholic Encyclopedia gives a brief description of the history of this city.
After the division of the kingdoms Jeroboam desecrated the place by erecting a golden calf and introducing the Egyptian worship of Apis. This continued until Israel was led captive to Assyria (2 Kings 10:29) and was frequently denounced by the prophets Osee and Amos.
Amos was in direct opposition to Amaziah and Jeroboam, king of Israel, warning them against their pagan worship.
He cried out to them to return to God, but they refused Amos’ words instead.
And today we celebrate...