7:14 no prophet . . . prophet’s son. Amos was not originally a prophet, nor one of the so-called “sons of the prophets” (i.e., disciples of the prophets; 1 Kin. 20:35; 2 Kin. 2:3, 5, 7, 15). He was not a paid professional prophet.

herdsman. See note 1:1.

dresser of sycamore figs. One who treated the fruit by appropriate cutting to ensure superior sweetness once the fruit was ripe. Amos was skilled in more than one trade (1:1 note).