Written at a time of affluence for the kingdom of Isreal, the prophet is not fooled. Amos identifies the moral decay he sees clearly in the Northern Kingdom. He points out how the rich may be thriving, but the poor are being exploited and neglected. He also shows how the rituals and worship of God’s people are meaningless without the presence of justice and righteousness. Amos punctuates his message with the truth that mercy is only possible through repentance; God’s people are responsible for the posture of their hearts.