Final answer:
Amos was a shepherd and a sycamore-fig farmer before his calling to be a prophet, according to the Old Testament Book of Amos.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Old Amos Bible (OAB), Amos's profession was that of a shepherd. He also took care of sycamore-fig trees, as indicated in Amos 7:14-15 where Amos himself states "I was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son, but I was a shepherd, and I also took care of sycamore-fig trees." These passages highlight that Amos was actively involved in agricultural pursuits before he received his calling to be a prophet. His background was not in religious or scholarly pursuits, rather he came from a more humble and working-class occupation.
Understanding Amos's background is significant in interpreting his messages and prophecies, as it gives insight into his perspective and approach to social justice, an aspect he was notably vocal about. Despite being from a working-class background, Amos's words carried strong critiques against social inequalities and injustices of his time.