Amos 2:6-16

6 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.
7 They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the earth; they push the needy out of their way. A man and his father have relations with the same girl and so profane My holy name.
8 They lie down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge. And in the house of their God, [a] they drink wine obtained through fines. [b]
9 Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below.
10 And I brought you up from the land of Egypt and led you forty years in the wilderness, that you might take possession of the land of the Amorite.
11 I raised up prophets from your sons and Nazirites from your young men. Is this not true, O children of Israel?” declares the LORD.
12 “But you made the Nazirites drink wine and commanded the prophets not to prophesy.
13 Behold, I am about to crush you in your place as with a cart full of grain.
14 Escape will fail the swift, the strong will not prevail by his strength, and the mighty will not save his life.
15 The archer will not stand his ground, the fleet of foot will not escape, and the horseman will not save his life.
16 Even the bravest of mighty men will flee naked on that day,” declares the LORD.

Amos 2:6-16 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or of their gods
  • [b]. Or they drink the wine of those who have been fined
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