Amós 4

1 Oigan esta palabra ustedes, vacas de Basán,que viven en el monte de Samaria,que oprimen a los desvalidosy maltratan a los necesitados,que dicen a sus esposos:«¡Tráigannos de beber!»

2 El SEÑOR omnipotente ha jurado por su santidad:«Vendrán días en que hasta la última de ustedesserá arreada con garfios y arpones.

3 Una tras otra saldrán por las brechas del muro,y hacia Hermón serán expulsadas—afirma el SEÑOR—.

4 »Vayan a Betel y pequen;vayan a Guilgal y sigan pecando.Ofrezcan sus sacrificios por la mañana,y al tercer día sus diezmos.

5 Quemen pan leudado como ofrenda de gratitudy proclamen ofrendas voluntarias.Háganlo saber a todos, israelitas;¡eso es lo que a ustedes les encanta!—afirma el SEÑOR omnipotente—.

Dureza de Israel

6 »Yo les hice pasar hambre en todas sus ciudades,y los privé de pan en todos sus poblados.Con todo, ustedes no se volvieron a mí—afirma el SEÑOR—.

7 »Yo les retuve la lluviacuando aún faltaban tres meses para la cosecha.En una ciudad hacía llover,pero en otra no;una parcela recibía lluvia,mientras que otra no, y se secó.

8 Vagando de ciudad en ciudad, iba la gente en busca de agua,pero no calmaba su sed.Con todo, ustedes no se volvieron a mí—afirma el SEÑOR—.

9 »Castigué sus campos con plagas y sequía;la langosta devoró sus huertos y viñedos,sus higueras y olivares.Con todo, ustedes no se volvieron a mí—afirma el SEÑOR—.

10 »Les mandé plagascomo las de Egipto.Pasé por la espada a sus mejores jóvenes,junto con los caballos capturados.Hice que llegara hasta sus propias naricesel hedor de los cadáveres.Con todo, ustedes no se volvieron a mí—afirma el SEÑOR—.

11 »Yo les envié destruccióncomo la de Sodoma y Gomorra;¡quedaron como tizones arrebatados del fuego!Con todo, ustedes no se volvieron a mí—afirma el SEÑOR—.

12 »Por eso, Israel, voy a actuar contra ti;y como voy a hacerlo,¡prepárate, Israel, para encontrarte con tu Dios!»

13 He aquí el que forma las montañas,el que crea el viento,el que revela al hombre sus designios,el que convierte la aurora en tinieblas,el que marcha sobre las alturas de la tierra:su nombre es el SEÑOR Dios Todopoderoso.

Amós 4 Commentary

Chapter 4

Israel is reproved. (1-5) Their impenitence shown. (6-13)

Verses 1-5 What is got by extortion is commonly used to provide for the flesh, and to fulfil the lusts thereof. What is got by oppression cannot be enjoyed with satisfaction. How miserable are those whose confidence in unscriptural observances only prove that they believe a lie! Let us see to it that our faith, hope, and worship, are warranted by the Divine word.

Verses 6-13 See the folly of carnal hearts; they wander from one creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and labour for that which satisfies not; yet, after all, they will not incline their ear to Him in whom they might find all they can want. Preaching the gospel is as rain, and every thing withers where this rain is wanting. It were well if people were as wise for their souls as they are for their bodies; and, when they have not this rain near, would go and seek it where it is to be had. As the Israelites persisted in rebellion and idolatry, the Lord was coming against them as an adversary. Ere long, we must meet our God in judgment; but we shall not be able to stand before him, if he tries us according to our doings. If we would prepare to meet our God with comfort, at the awful period of his coming, we must now meet him in Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of the Father, who came to save lost sinners. We must seek him while he is to be found.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO AMOS 4

In this chapter, the great ones, or the people of Israel, are threatened with calamities for their oppression of the poor, Am 4:1-3; and in an ironic manner are reproved for their idolatry, Am 4:4,5; then follows an enumeration of several judgments that had been upon them, yet had had no effect on them, to bring them to repentance, nor even mercies, Am 4:6-11; and notwithstanding all this, in a wonderful gracious manner, they are called upon to prepare to meet their God, who is described by his power, greatness, and goodness, Am 4:12,13.