Amos 3:10

10 "They do not know how to do what is right," announces the Lord. "They pile up stolen goods in their forts."

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 isn't afraid? The LORD and King has spoken. Who can do anything but prophesy?
9 Speak to the people in the forts of Ashdod and Egypt. Tell them, "Gather together on the mountains of Samaria. Look at the great trouble in that city. Its people are committing many crimes."
10 "They do not know how to do what is right," announces the Lord. "They pile up stolen goods in their forts."
11 So the LORD and King says, "Enemies will take over your land. They will pull down your places of safety. They will rob your forts."
12 The LORD says, "Suppose a shepherd saves only two leg bones from a lion's mouth. Or he might save only a piece of an ear. That is how the Israelites will be saved. They sit in Samaria on the edge of their beds. They lie down in Damascus on their couches."
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