Much Given, Much Required~Bob Caldwell

Amos 1:1-5:27 3:2-4 You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? Amos begins his prophetic warning by describing the just judgment that is due the nations of the world. But to the Northern Kingdom of Israel comes a rebuke that is reserved for God’s own people. Different levels of relationships bring with them different levels of intimacy as well as different levels of accountability.And, all of our relationships face some form of judgment. We do so in our relationships with our governments, our auto repairmen, and most of all, with those we are closest. We expect much from those to whom we give our hearts and souls. Marriage is a perfect example, in that it is judged on our faithfulness to hold it in its unique place among all other human relationships. And just as we have justifiable expectations in human relationships, so God does with us. All people, nations, and institutions of humanity are accountable to God and will be judged on that basis. Having the unique privilege of being created in God’s image has brought us all an unavoidable accountability to our relationship with Him. We alone, built within us, have a purpose of unique and intimate relationship with God. Among all the nations of the world, Israel held a unique relationship to God.Israel was created from Abraham, the first Jew, to be God’s revelation of Himself to the world. God gave them a sacred trust about who He is and what His will is for humanity. They were given God’s Word as well as divine manifestations of His presence and power like no other nation on Earth. It is because of Israel’s unique privilege that it was also uniquely accountable to God and, therefore, justly deserving of the punishments that were about to fall. This same principle is true in God’s current relationship with those who have been born again into God’s family and given a place as the Bride of Christ. There is no greater privilege in all Heaven and Earth. But like Israel, there is no greater accountability. As He asked Israel, so God asks us, “Can two talk together unless they are agreed?” If we violate our relationship with God by willfully rebelling against a life in harmony with Him, there is no way for the relationship to stand. There is nothing left but to suffer the just consequences of our rebellion against Him, just as Israel did. Therefore, God warns us as He warned Israel ages ago. If you hear the roar of a lion, then there must be prey in its sight. The lion has roared! God has sent His warning through His prophets. Therefore, let each one of those born into His family have ears to hear. We are soon to stand before the judgment seat of Christ to be held accountable for what we have done as His own people (Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 11-15). The prophetic lion of His word is clear. He is coming. Let us take heed.
Amos 1:1-5:27 1 The words of Amos, who was among the sheepbreeders of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. 2 And he said: “The LORD roars from Zion, And utters His voice from Jerusalem; The pastures of the shepherds mourn, And the top of Carmel withers.” Judgment on the Nations 3 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have threshed Gilead with implements of iron. 4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, Which shall devour the palaces of Ben-Hadad. 5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus, And cut off the inhabitant from the Valley of Aven, And the one who holds the scepter from Beth Eden. The people of Syria shall go captive to Kir,” Says the LORD. 6 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up to Edom. 7 But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, Which shall devour its palaces. 8 I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, And the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn My hand against Ekron, And the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,” Says the Lord GOD. 9 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, And did not remember the covenant of brotherhood. 10 But I will send a fire upon the wall of Tyre, Which shall devour its palaces.” 11 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because he pursued his brother with the sword, And cast off all pity; His anger tore perpetually, And he kept his wrath forever. 12 But I will send a fire upon Teman, Which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.” 13 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead, That they might enlarge their territory. 14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, And it shall devour its palaces, Amid shouting in the day of battle, And a tempest in the day of the whirlwind. 15 Their king shall go into captivity, He and his princes together,” Says the LORD. Amos 2 1 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime. 2 But I will send a fire upon Moab, And it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth; Moab shall die with tumult, With shouting and trumpet sound. 3 And I will cut off the judge from its midst, And slay all its princes with him,” Says the LORD. Judgment on Judah 4 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have despised the law of the LORD, And have not kept His commandments. Their lies lead them astray, Lies which their fathers followed. 5 But I will send a fire upon Judah, And it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.” Judgment on Israel 6 Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they sell the righteous for silver, And the poor for a pair of sandals. 7 They pant after the dust of the earth which is on the head of the poor, And pervert the way of the humble. A man and his father go in to the same girl, To defile My holy name. 8 They lie down by every altar on clothes taken in pledge, And drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god. 9 “Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, Whose height was like the height of the cedars, And he was as strong as the oaks; Yet I destroyed his fruit above And his roots beneath. 10 Also it was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, And led you forty years through the wilderness, To possess the land of the Amorite. 11 I raised up some of your sons as prophets, And some of your young men as Nazirites. Is it not so, O you children of Israel?” Says the LORD. 12 “But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, And commanded the prophets saying, ‘Do not prophesy!’ 13 “Behold, I am weighed down by you, As a cart full of sheaves is weighed down. 14 Therefore flight shall perish from the swift, The strong shall not strengthen his power, Nor shall the mighty deliver himself; 15 He shall not stand who handles the bow, The swift of foot shall not escape, Nor shall he who rides a horse deliver himself. 16 The most courageous men of might Shall flee naked in that day,” Says the LORD. Amos 3Authority of the Prophet’s Message 1 Hear this word that the LORD has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” 3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? 4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing? 5 Will a bird fall into a snare on the earth, where there is no trap for it? Will a snare spring up from the earth, if it has caught nothing at all? 6 If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid? If there is calamity in a city, will not the LORD have done it? 7 Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. 8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy? Punishment of Israel’s Sins 9 “Proclaim in the palaces at Ashdod, And in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say: ‘Assemble on the mountains of Samaria; See great tumults in her midst, And the oppressed within her. 10 For they do not know to do right,’ Says the LORD, ‘Who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.’” 11 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: “An adversary shall be all around the land; He shall sap your strength from you, And your palaces shall be plundered.” 12 Thus says the LORD: “As a shepherd takes from the mouth of a lion Two legs or a piece of an ear, So shall the children of Israel be taken out Who dwell in Samaria— In the corner of a bed and on the edge of a couch! 13 Hear and testify against the house of Jacob,” Says the Lord GOD, the God of hosts, 14 “That in the day I punish Israel for their transgressions, I will also visit destruction on the altars of Bethel; And the horns of the altar shall be cut off And fall to the ground. 15 I will destroy the winter house along with the summer house; The houses of ivory shall perish, And the great houses shall have an end,” Says the LORD. Amos 4 1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, Who oppress the poor, Who crush the needy, Who say to your husbands, “Bring wine, let us drink!” 2 The Lord GOD has sworn by His holiness: “Behold, the days shall come upon you When He will take you away with fishhooks, And your posterity with fishhooks. 3 You will go out through broken walls, Each one straight ahead of her, And you will be cast into Harmon,” Says the LORD. 4 “Come to Bethel and transgress, At Gilgal multiply transgression; Bring your sacrifices every morning, Your tithes every three days. 5 Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, Proclaim and announce the freewill offerings; For this you love, You children of Israel!” Says the Lord GOD. Israel Did Not Accept Correction 6 “Also I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities. And lack of bread in all your places; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. 7 “I also withheld rain from you, When there were still three months to the harvest. I made it rain on one city, I withheld rain from another city. One part was rained upon, And where it did not rain the part withered. 8 So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water, But they were not satisfied; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. 9 “I blasted you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, Your vineyards, Your fig trees, And your olive trees, The locust devoured them; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. 10 “I sent among you a plague after the manner of Egypt; Your young men I killed with a sword, Along with your captive horses; I made the stench of your camps come up into your nostrils; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. 11 “I overthrew some of you, As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, And you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning; Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the LORD. 12 “Therefore thus will I do to you, O Israel; Because I will do this to you, Prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” 13 For behold, He who forms mountains, And creates the wind, Who declares to man what his thought is, And makes the morning darkness, Who treads the high places of the earth— The LORD God of hosts is His name. Amos 5A Lament for Israel 1 Hear this word which I take up against you, a lamentation, O house of Israel: 2 The virgin of Israel has fallen; She will rise no more. She lies forsaken on her land; There is no one to raise her up. 3 For thus says the Lord GOD: “The city that goes out by a thousand Shall have a hundred left, And that which goes out by a hundred Shall have ten left to the house of Israel.” A Call to Repentance 4 For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live; 5 But do not seek Bethel, Nor enter Gilgal, Nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, And Bethel shall come to nothing. 6 Seek the LORD and live, Lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph, And devour it, With no one to quench it in Bethel— 7 You who turn justice to wormwood, And lay righteousness to rest in the earth!” 8 He made the Pleiades and Orion; He turns the shadow of death into morning And makes the day dark as night; He calls for the waters of the sea And pours them out on the face of the earth; The LORD is His name. 9 He rains ruin upon the strong, So that fury comes upon the fortress. 10 They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, And they abhor the one who speaks uprightly. 11 Therefore, because you tread down the poor And take grain taxes from him, Though you have built houses of hewn stone, Yet you shall not dwell in them; You have planted pleasant vineyards, But you shall not drink wine from them. 12 For I know your manifold transgressions And your mighty sins: Afflicting the just and taking bribes; Diverting the poor from justice at the gate. 13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time. 14 Seek good and not evil, That you may live; So the LORD God of hosts will be with you, As you have spoken. 15 Hate evil, love good; Establish justice in the gate. It may be that the LORD God of hosts Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. The Day of the LORD 16 Therefore the LORD God of hosts, the Lord, says this: “There shall be wailing in all streets, And they shall say in all the highways, ‘Alas! Alas!’ They shall call the farmer to mourning, And skillful lamenters to wailing. 17 In all vineyards there shall be wailing, For I will pass through you,” Says the LORD. 18 Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! For what good is the day of the LORD to you? It will be darkness, and not light. 19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion, And a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house, Leaned his hand on the wall, And a serpent bit him! 20 Is not the day of the LORD darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it? 21 “I hate, I despise your feast days, And I do not savor your sacred assemblies. 22 Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them, Nor will I regard your fattened peace offerings. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments. 24 But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream. 25 “Did you offer Me sacrifices and offerings In the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? 26 You also carried Sikkuth your king And Chiun, your idols, The star of your gods, Which you made for yourselves. 27 Therefore I will send you into captivity beyond Damascus,” Says the LORD, whose name is the God of hosts.
Amos 1:1-5:27 v. 1 sheepbreeders of Tekoa – Tekoa was a farming village seven miles south of Jerusalem and five miles south of Bethlehem. Two years before the earthquake – This is likely a reference to the same earthquake mentioned in Zechariah 14:5. Geological examinations have detected a mammoth seismic event in Israel that occurred during mid 8th-century BC. v. 2 The Lord roars from Zion – Like Joel, Amos continues the prophecy of God’s impending return and continues to warn the nations of Israel not only of God’s return but of His judgment. Amos describes God’s wrath as like the roar of a lion perhaps to signify his reign and authority. top of Carmel – The top of Mount Carmel is the highest point in Israel and towers over the Mediterranean from the northern coast of Israel. The mountain was known for its fertile slopes that were covered with olive trees, vineyards, and rich pastures. v. 3 Thus says the Lord – Amos the messenger declares who the message is from. This implies the seriousness of what is about to be said. Amos will address eight nations. For three transgressions of Damascus…for four, I will not turn away its punishment – The number reference of three and four suggests the continual and habitual sin. It is the same as saying, “Your sin upon sin will not go unpunished.”Amos will repeatedly use this phrase in addressing each nation.The first address is to Damascus of Syria. they have threshed Gilead – This is probably a reference to the Syrian king Hazael’s invasion of Gilead (2 Kings 8:12). v. 4 I will send fire into the house of Hazael…devour the palaces of Ben-Hadad – Amos delivers the message of what is to come for those who mistreat and oppress God’s chosen people. Amos specifically speaks of the Syrians of whom destruction of the “house of Hazael” awaits. v. 5 I will also break the gate bar of Damascus – The gate bar which was the main entrance to the city. It symbolized its core strength from where the fortifications of the city walls were built upon.Scholars interpret this as saying “I will break the strength of Damascus.” Once the strength of the city is breached the city therefore can be taken. Valley of Aven – This is not referring to the name of a city, but describing a region where Baal was worshipped. Aven (Heb.) means “wickedness” or “idolatry.” who holds the scepter from Beth Eden – This can be translated, “the ruler of the house of pleasure.” shall go captive to Kir – Amos prophesizes the end result for the people of Syria. They will be carried away as captives. Fifteen years after this prophecy was given, it was fulfilled in 2 Kings 16:9. v. 6 For three transgressions of Gaza – The second address is to the people of Gaza.This city belonged to the Philistines who united with the Edomites to capture and enslave the Jewish people. v. 8 cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod…Ashkelon…Ekron – God’s message addresses the chief cities of the Philistines. The cities were economically sound, rich in resources, respected, and feared by others. God specifically names all three to show that, although they may be powerful and successful, they are not out of reach of His wrath. the remnant of the Philistines shall perish – The rest of the cities that belong to the Philistines but were not specifically named would suffer the same wrath. v. 9 For three transgressions of Tyre – The third nation addressed is Tyre. Tyre will also be delivered as captives to the Edomites. did not remember the covenant of brotherhood – Tyre ignored the covenant that David and Solomon made with their predecessor Hiram (2 Kings 5:11). Fire…devour its palaces – All that encompasses Tyre will be destroyed by fire. v. 11 For three transgressions of Edom – The fourth address is made to the descendents of Esau who were cruel towards the descendents of Jacob. fire upon Teman…devour the palaces of Bozrah – Teman and Bozrah, two of the chief cities of Edom. It is believed that the fire that destroyed these cities came from Nebuchadnezzar’s army’s conquer of these cities. v. 13 For three transgressions of the people of Ammon – The fifth nation addressed is Ammon.The previous prophesies against Ammon in verses 13 and 14 were fulfilled through the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III in approximately 732 BC. ripped open the women with child – An example of the extent of the barbarous atrocities that occurred. The purpose was to remove all heirs to the Jewish people. Amos 2 v. 1 For three transgressions of Moab – the sixth nation he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime – Burning bones to lime would have been a deplorable act in ancient times. Not only would this defile the king’s grave, but the burning the bones to lime would have removed all honor and respect from the king’s body. v. 2 Moab shall die with tumult…shouting and trumpet sound – their death would not be a quiet easy death but rather one that will be fierce and loud. v. 4 For three transgressions of Judah – The seventh nation addressed is Judah.Judah is named among the six prior Gentile nations. they have despised the law of the Lord…not kept His commandments – The previous nations were judged because of their actions towards God’s people. The people of Judah were being judged because of their sin towards God. They were disobedient and turned from His Law and refused to follow His commandments.His commandments include ceremonial laws that were given to aid them in worship, communion, and to experience God’s forgiveness. lies lead them astray…fathers followed –They were easily swayed by false prophets and became idolaters. v. 6 For three transgressions of Israel – The final nation to be addressed is Israel. Perhaps they were last because they were God’s chosen people.Amos’ pronouncement against Israel is the lengthiest pronouncement in this book. The prophet points to specific sins such as Israel’s treatment of its own countrymen and especially of their dealings with the poor and needy. v. 8 clothes taken in pledge – The law prohibited taking another’s cloak overnight as security for debt (Ex. 22:26-27) or taking a widow’s cloak at all (Deut. 24:17). Cloaks were used as blankets and were the only means of staying warm during the night. v. 9 I destroyed his fruit above And his roots beneath – Amos compares completely opposite things to depict the total destruction of the Amorites. This literary device is known as a merism and was a common practice in prophetic speech. v. 10 I who brought you up from the land of Egypt – God reminds them who delivered them from captivity and led them to a new land. v. 12 you gave the Nazirites wine to drink – Nazirites were uniquely dedicated to God (See Numbers 6:1-21 for the law concerning Nazirites.). A Nazirite was forbidden from drinking wine. Those who gave the Nazirites wine to drink were guilty accomplices in the violation of their vows. v. 13 Behold – Beginning here through the end of the chapter, God explains to them that because their sins have become a burden to Him, no one will escape His judgment.Not the swift, not the mightiest, not even the most courageous individual will be able to escape God’s wrath. Amos 3 v. 1 Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O children of Israel – Amos delivers a rebuke from the Lord. v. 2 You only have I known of all the families of the earth – God reminds them of their intimate relationship. As a father knows his son, so too God knows His chosen people. Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities – Like a father disciplining his disobedient son, so too God will punish Israel for their sins. v. 3 Can two – Before God announces their judgment, He asks a series of cause and effect rhetorical questions, perhaps to highlight the relationship between two objects. v. 9 Assemble on the mountains of Samaria – The city of Samaria was surrounded by hills that were higher than the mound Samaria was built on (1 Kings 16:24). One of these surrounding hills would have provided an excellent vantage point from which to witness the ultimate destruction of Samaria. v. 11 And your palaces shall be plundered – Amos, writing around 760 BC, prophesied of the fall of Samaria and Israel by the Assyrian armies of Sargon II in 722 BC. v. 12 corner of a bed and on the edge of a couch! – This is a reference to the rich merchants and nobles of Samaria who could have afforded the luxury of a couch or a bed. Amos is warning that their wealth will be looted. v. 14 the horns of the altar shall be cut off – The horns of an altar symbolized atonement and a place of sanctuary. Cutting off the horns amounted to desecrating the altar and transforming it into nothing more than a damaged stone. This act was symbolic of Israel’s hopeless desire for asylum in the face of their coming destruction. v. 15 I will destroy the winter house along with the summer house – Because of their idolatry God will destroy anything luxurious. The houses of ivory shall perish – Excavations of ancient Samaria have unearthed large quantities of ivory that was used for decorating houses. Ivory was an expensive export during the time of Amos. Amos 4 v. 1 cows of Bashan – Amos compares the finely bred cattle of Bashan to Israel’s wealthy, self-indulgent women who exploited the poor. His comparison between the cattle and the wives is centered on their inability to see past own self-absorbed needs. They feast while others around them starve. v. 2 take you away with fishhooks – According to Assyrian art reliefs, prisoners of war were sometimes lead away with ropes fastened to hooks. These hooks pierced their noses or lower lips. v. 3 cast into Harmon – This is either a reference to a place where captives were exiled, such as Mount Minni in Assyria or it is a reference to a hadmon, which is a “dung heap.” v. 4 At Gilgal multiply transgression – Gilgal was designated as one of the two major cultic centers by Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:29-30). Hosea condemned Gilgal as corrupt (Hosea 4:15, 9:15). v. 6 gave you cleanness of teeth…lack of bread…you have not returned to Me – God disciplined Israel by withholding food from them; one of the important necessities of life. Yet they refused to humble themselves and repent. v. 7 When there were still three months to the harvest – A lack of rain three months before harvest would have prevented the grain from fully developing. v. 9 I blasted you with blight…locust devoured them – No matter what God did to get their attention, they refused to return to Him. v. 10 sent among you a plague…young men I killed…stench of your camps – As they refused to return to God, He increased His judgment upon them; but still they refused to return. v. 11 Sodom and Gomorrah – had long become a proverbial example for divine judgment and sin you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning – Some were spared during the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah, yet God’s mercy did not cause them to return to Him. v. 12 Prepare to meet your God – This is not a reference to Israel returning to God, but God pronouncing judgment upon Israel. Amos 5 v. 1 a lamentation, O house of Israel – Amos addresses Israel with a mournful song because of their condition towards God. v. 2 The virgin of Israel has fallen – Israel began as a pure, undefiled nation, but because of their sin and disobedience they have fallen from their state of purity. She lies forsaken – This term refers to a dead body that has been left in the open fields. This would have been viewed as a disgrace and indignity by the people of Israel. v. 3 city that goes out by a thousand…a hundred left…goes out by a hundred…have ten left – Amos states their current condition. At one time Israel could easily provide a multitude of men ready for battle but now that excessive privilege no longer exists. v. 4 Seek Me and live – literally a call to return to God or else face judgment v. 5 do not seek Bethel…Gilgal…Beersheba – These places were known for their idol worship. Gilgal shall surely go into captivity…Bethel shall come to nothing – The end result for both cities is destruction. v. 6 Seek the Lord and live – another warning to return to God Lest he break out like fire…devour it…no one to quench it in Bethel – In Deuteronomy 4:24 God is referred to as a “consuming fire.”Amos warns unless they seek God, He will consume their idols with fire and no idol will be able to quench it. v. 7 justice to wormwood – “Wormwood” is a root of a plant that is poisonous or accursed. Justice has been poisoned or accursed. lay righteousness to rest – righteousness has been set aside, ignored v. 8 made Pleiades and Orion – Referring to God’s creation of the constellation in the heavens. This verse describes God’s sovereignty. Lord is His name – Amos makes an exclamation point of who he is describing. v. 10 Hate the one who rebukes in the gate – Amos speaks about the hatred against the prophets who openly called the Israelites out on their sin. The gate is where the judge administered justice and where legal proceedings were conducted. Abhor the one who speaks uprightly – The hatred is great towards anyone who speaks truth. v. 11 you tread down the poor…take grain taxes from him – Amos speaks of their ill treatment towards the unfortunate.They trample on them as if they are nobody and rob them of their crops in the name of taxes. you have built houses of hewn stone – In their dishonest gain they build houses to live comfortably.Only the wealthiest people could afford houses made of hewn stone. Most houses had a stone foundation and walls made with sun-dried mud bricks. yet you shall not dwell in them…pleasant vineyards…not drink wine from them – Although they build luxurious homes and plant vineyards for wine, they shall neither live in or drink of their ill-gotten pleasure. v. 12 I know your manifold transgressions – God makes them aware that He knows of their great and numerous sins. Afflicting the just and taking bribes…diverting the poor from justice – God calls them out on their mistreatment and oppression of the just, corruptly taking money from the wealthy to turn a blind eye and refusing justice to the poor. v. 13 the prudent keep silent – The poor and the oppressed lose hope because there is no one to defend them. v. 15 Hate evil, love good – A command to abhor what is evil and cling to what is good. Establish justice – Return justice to its place. gracious to the remnant – If they obey, God will have mercy upon Israel and withhold judgment. v. 16 wailing in all the streets…farmer to mourning – God’s judgment will cause an uncontrollable mourning from the farmer to the professional lamenters that will echo in the streets and highways. v. 17 I will pass through you – God’s vengeance will pass through their cities, marketplaces, and places of worship. v. 18 It will be like darkness – The day of the Lord, specifically to this disobedient people, is not a day to look forward to. v. 21 I hate, I despise your feast days – There were three major pilgrimage festivals in Israel (Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Harvest, and Feast of Ingathering). These feasts were intended to be a means for praising and honoring God; now they no longer brought Him pleasure. v. 22 offer me burnt offerings…I will not accept them – Because their lives were corrupt, God will not accept their sacrifice. v. 25 Did you offer Me sacrifices – A rhetorical question, their hearts were given over to other gods and idols. As the wind blew one direction so too their hearts would be led in that direction. v. 26 Sikkuth your king – Sikkuth is a reference to the tabernacle of Moloch. Chiun is a reference to a pagan deity. v. 27 captivity beyond Damascus – This prophecy refers to Israel’s exile to Assyria. Mesopotamia was in the same direction as Damascus and was the source of the coming destruction.
"You only have I known of all the families of the earth; Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den, if he has caught nothing?"–Amos 3:2-4 These are convicting words, Lord. Have we agreed to walk with You or are we walking slightly away from You, acting as though we are embarrassed to be seen with You? Do we treat You the way a teenager often treats his or her parents when they walk in public together? Are we agreed, Lord? We know You have chosen us without hesitation. We pray to choose You in the same way.