The haftarah of Vayeshev is selected from the writings of the prophet Amos. The prophet speaks against the sins of the northern kingdom of Israel. "They sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes." The prophet claims that fathers and sons defile themselves with the same women. The prophet foresees the day of reckoning, when Israel shall receive punishment for her wrongdoing. "You only have I known of al the families of the earth, therefore I will visit upon you all your iniquities." The prophet portrays an omnipotent G-d who makes His will known among the people. Amos draws from powerful imagery from the natural world. G-d is conceived as a lion that asserts his will upon his prey. "The lion has roared, who will not fear? The L0-rd G-d has spoken, who can but prophesy."