Amos 2:8-16

8 Beside every altar, they spread themselves out on clothes taken as security. In the temples of their gods, they drink the wine that they bought with fines.

9 I destroyed the Amorites in front of them, although the Amorites were as tall as cedars and as strong as oaks. I destroyed their fruit above the ground and their roots below it.

10 I brought you out of Egypt. I led you through the desert for 40 years so that you could take possession of the land of the Amorites.

11 I also sent you prophets from among your children and Nazirites from among your youths. Isn't that so, people of Israel? The LORD has declared this.

12 You made the Nazirites drink wine. You commanded the prophets to stop prophesying.

13 I am going to crush you as an overloaded wagon crushes a person.

14 Runners will not be able to escape. Strong men will find that their strength is useless. Soldiers will not be able to save themselves.

15 Archers will not stand their ground. Fast runners will not be able to escape. Horsemen will not be able to save themselves.

16 Brave soldiers will run away naked that day. The LORD has declared this.

Amos 2:8-16 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.