Amos 3:10

10 "But they 1do not know how to do what is right," declares the LORD, "these who 2hoard up violence and devastation in their citadels."

Amos 3:10 Meaning and Commentary

Amos 3:10

For they know not to do right, saith the Lord
What is just and fight between man and man, no, not in one single instance; they did not regard it, or advert to it; they were under no concern about it; and were so much under the power of their lusts, that they knew not how to do it; and had used themselves so long to such wicked and unjust ways, that they had lost at least the practical knowledge of doing justice; they knew what was right in the theory, but not in the practice; bribes blinded their eyes; for this seems to design judges, civil magistrates, such who had the administration of justice and the execution Of the laws in their hands. The Targum is,

``they know not to execute the law;''
see ( Jeremiah 4:22 ) ; who store up violence and robbery in their palaces;
treasured up riches in their palaces, gotten in a violent way, by oppression and injustice; and which was no other, nor better, than robbery. This shows that persons in power and authority, that lived in palaces, in great splendour and grandeur, are here meant.

Amos 3:10 In-Context

8 A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord GOD has spoken! Who can but prophesy?
9 Proclaim on the citadels in Ashdod and on the citadels in the land of Egypt and say, "Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria and see the great tumults within her and the oppressions in her midst.
10 "But they do not know how to do what is right," declares the LORD , "these who hoard up violence and devastation in their citadels."
11 Therefore, thus says the Lord GOD, "An enemy, even one surrounding the land, Will pull down your strength from you And your citadels will be looted."
12 Thus says the LORD , "Just as the shepherd snatches from the lion's mouth a couple of legs or a piece of an ear, So will the sons of Israel dwelling in Samaria be snatched away - With the corner of a bed and the cover of a couch!

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 14:4; Jeremiah 4:22; Amos 5:7; Amos 6:12
  • 2. Habakkuk 2:8-10; Zephaniah 1:9; Zechariah 5:3, 4

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. I.e. the booty from violence
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