Amoz is known predominantly as the father of Isaiah, a significant prophet whose teachings are prominent in the Judeo-Christian tradition. In the context of the Book of Mormon, references to Amoz appear in conjunction with his son Isaiah’s prophecies and are specifically found in quotations from the book of Isaiah as included by Nephi, one of the book’s early prophets. Nephi, who revered the teachings of Isaiah, included selections from Isaiah’s writings in his record, and through these inclusions, Amoz’s lineage was acknowledged in the Nephite record.
The first reference to Amoz in the Book of Mormon is found in 2 Nephi 12:1, which corresponds to Isaiah 2:1 in the Old Testament and introduces a vision that Isaiah had concerning Judah and Jerusalem. The second reference appears in 2 Nephi 23:1, equivalent to Isaiah 13:1 in the Old Testament, wherein the burden seen by Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Babylon is presented. Both passages serve to attribute the prophetic declarations to their source and acknowledge Amoz’s relation to Isaiah.
While the details of Amoz’s life, his role in Nephite history, and contributions are not detailed within the Book of Mormon narrative, his mention as the progenitor of one of the most significant prophets in the biblical record connects the Nephite people to the religious and prophetic traditions of the Old World. Through the writings of his son, which were extensively quoted by Nephi, Amoz indirectly influences the religious thought and prophecies that are integral to the Nephite culture and scripture.