Amós 2

1 ASI ha dicho Jehová: Por tres pecados de Moab, y por el cuarto, no desviaré su castigo; porque quemó los huesos del rey de Idumea hasta tornarlos en cal.

2 Y meteré fuego en Moab, y consumirá los palacios de Chêrioth: y morirá Moab en alboroto, en estrépito y sonido de trompeta.

3 Y quitaré el juez de en medio de él, y mataré con él á todos sus príncipes, dice Jehová.

4 Así ha dicho Jehová: Por tres pecados de Judá, y por el cuarto, no desviaré su castigo; porque menospreciaron la ley de Jehová, y no guardaron sus ordenanzas; é hiciéronlos errar sus mentiras, en pos de las cuales anduvieron sus padres.

5 Meteré por tanto fuego en Judá, el cual consumirá los palacios de Jerusalem.

6 Así ha dicho Jehová: Por tres pecados de Israel, y por el cuarto, no desviaré su castigo; porque vendieron por dinero al justo, y al pobre por un par de zapatos:

7 Que anhelan porque haya polvo de tierra sobre la cabeza de los pobres, y tuercen el camino de los humildes: y el hombre y su padre entraron á la misma moza, profanando mi santo nombre.

8 Y sobre las ropas empeñadas se acuestan junto á cualquier altar; y el vino de los penados beben en la casa de sus dioses.

9 Y yo destruí delante de ellos al Amorrheo, cuya altura era como la altura de los cedros, y fuerte como un alcornoque; y destruí su fruto arriba, sus raíces abajo.

10 Y yo os hice á vosotros subir de la tierra de Egipto, y os traje por el desierto cuarenta años, para que poseyeseis la tierra del Amorrheo.

11 Y levanté de vuestros hijos para profetas, y de vuestros mancebos para que fuesen Nazareos. ¿No es esto así, dice Jehová, hijos de Israel?

12 Mas vosotros disteis de beber vino á los Nazareos; y á los profetas mandasteis, diciendo: No profeticéis.

13 Pues he aquí, yo os apretaré en vuestro lugar, como se aprieta el carro lleno de haces;

14 Y la huída perecerá del ligero, y el fuerte no esforzará su fuerza, ni el valiente librará su vida;

15 Y el que toma el arco no resistirá, ni escapará el ligero de pies, ni el que cabalga en caballo salvará su vida.

16 El esforzado entre esforzados huirá desnudo aquel día, dice Jehová.

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.