Bible Dictionaries
Dresser of Sycamore Trees

Holman Bible Dictionary

One of the occupations of the prophet Amos (Amos 7:14 ). The tending involved slitting the top of each piece of fruit to hasten its ripening and to produce a sweeter, more edible fruit. Fruit infested with insects might be discarded at this time as well. The significance of Amos' trade is twofold: (1) He was a prophet solely because of the call of God, not because of training in a prophetic school; and (2) contrary to the accusation of the priest Amaziah (Amos 7:12 ), Amos did not earn his living by prophesying.