Amós 2

1 Assim diz o Senhor: Por três transgressões de Moabe, sim, por quatro, não retirarei o castigo; porque queimou os ossos do rei de Edom, até os reduzir a cal.

2 Por isso porei fogo a Moabe, e ele consumirá os palácios de Queriote; e Moabe morrerá com grande estrondo, com alarido, e som de trombeta.

3 E exterminarei o juiz do meio dele, e matarei com ele todos os seus príncipes, diz o Senhor.

4 Assim diz o Senhor: Por três transgressoes de Judá, sim, por quatro, não retirarei o castigo; porque rejeitaram a lei do Senhor, e não guardaram os seus estatutos, antes se deixaram enganar por suas próprias mentiras, após as quais andaram seus pais.

5 Por isso porei fogo a Judá, e ele consumirá os palácios de Jerusalém.

6 Assim diz o Senhor: Por três transgressões de Israel, sim, por quatro, não retirarei o castigo; porque vendem o justo por dinheiro, e o necessitado por um par de sapatos.

7 Pisam a cabeça dos pobres no pó da terra, pervertem o caminho dos mansos; um homem e seu pai entram � mesma moça, assim profanando o meu santo nome.

8 Também se deitam junto a qualquer altar sobre roupas empenhadas, e na casa de seu Deus bebem o vinho dos que têm sido multados.

9 Contudo eu destruí o amorreu diante deles, a altura do qual era como a dos cedros, e cuja força era como a dos carvalhos; mas destruí o seu fruto por cima, e as suas raízes por baixo.

10 Outrossim vos fiz subir da terra do Egito, e quarenta anos vos guiei no deserto, para que possuísseis a terra do amorreu.

11 E dentre vossos filhos suscitei profetas, e dentre os vossos mancebos, nazireus. Acaso não é isso assim, filhos de Israel? diz o Senhor.

12 Mas vós aos nazireus destes vinho a beber, e aos profetas ordenastes, dizendo: Não profetizeis.

13 Eis que eu vos apertarei no vosso lugar como se aperta um carro cheio de feixes.

14 Assim de nada valerá a fuga ao ágil, nem o forte corroborará a sua força, nem o valente salvará a sua vida.

15 E não ficará em pé o que maneja o arco, nem o ligeiro de pés se livrará, nem tampouco se livrara o que vai montado a cavalo;

16 e aquele que é corajoso entre os valentes fugirá nu naquele dia, diz o Senhor.

Amós 2 Commentary

Chapter 2

Judgments against Moab and Judah. (1-8) The ingratitude and ruin of Israel. (9-16)

Verses 1-8 The evil passions of the heart break out in various forms; but the Lord looks to our motives, as well as our conduct. Those that deal cruelly, shall be cruelly dealt with. Other nations were reckoned with for injuries done to men; Judah is reckoned with for dishonour done to God. Judah despised the law of the Lord; and he justly gave them up to strong delusion; nor was it any excuse for their sin, that they were the lies, the idols, after which their fathers walked. The worst abominations and most grievous oppressions have been committed by some of the professed worshippers of the Lord. Such conduct leads many to unbelief and vile idolatry.

Verses 9-16 We need often to be reminded of the mercies we have received; which add much to the evil of the sins we have committed. They had helps for their souls, which taught them how to make good use of their earthly enjoyments, and were therefore more valuable. Faithful ministers are great blessings to any people; but it is God that raises them up to be so. Sinners' own consciences will witness that he has not been wanting to them in the means of grace. They did what they could to lead believers aside. Satan and his agents are busy to corrupt the minds of young people who look heavenward; they overcome many by drawing them to the love of mirth and pleasure, and into drinking company. Multitudes of young men who bade fair as professors of religion, have erred through strong drink, and have been undone for ever. The Lord complains of sin, especially the sins of his professing people, as a burden to him. And though his long-suffering be tired, his power is not, and so the sinner will find to his cost. When men reject God's word, adding obstinacy to sin, and this becomes the general character of a people, they will be given up to misery, notwithstanding all their boasted power and resources. May we then humble ourselves before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO AMOS 2

In this chapter the prophet foretells the calamities that should come upon the Moabites for their transgressions, Am 2:1-3; and the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem for their iniquities, Am 2:4,5; also the judgments of God that should come upon Israel the ten tribes for their sins, which sins are enumerated; their oppression of the poor, their lewdness and idolatry, Am 2:6-8; and which are aggravated by the blessings of goodness bestowed upon them, both temporal and spiritual, Am 2:9-12; wherefore they are threatened with ruin, which would be inevitable, notwithstanding their swiftness, strength, and courage, and their skill in shooting arrows, and riding horses, Am 2:13-16.