Amos 4

1 audite verbum hoc vaccae pingues quae estis in monte Samariae quae calumniam facitis egenis et confringitis pauperes quae dicitis dominis vestris adferte et bibemus

2 iuravit Dominus Deus in sancto suo quia ecce dies venient super vos et levabunt vos in contis et reliquias vestras in ollis ferventibus

3 et per aperturas exibitis altera contra alteram et proiciemini in Armon dicit Dominus

4 venite ad Bethel et impie agite ad Galgalam et multiplicate praevaricationem et offerte mane victimas vestras tribus diebus decimas vestras

5 et sacrificate de fermentato laudem et vocate voluntarias oblationes et adnuntiate sic enim voluistis filii Israhel dicit Dominus Deus

6 unde et ego dedi vobis stuporem dentium in cunctis urbibus vestris et indigentiam panum in omnibus locis vestris et non estis reversi ad me dicit Dominus

7 ego quoque prohibui a vobis imbrem cum adhuc tres menses superessent usque ad messem et plui super civitatem unam et super civitatem alteram non plui pars una conpluta est et pars super quam non plui aruit

8 et venerunt duae et tres civitates ad civitatem unam ut biberent aquam et non sunt satiatae et non redistis ad me dicit Dominus

9 percussi vos in vento urente et in aurugine multitudinem hortorum vestrorum et vinearum vestrarum oliveta vestra et ficeta vestra comedit eruca et non redistis ad me dicit Dominus

10 misi in vos mortem in via Aegypti percussi in gladio iuvenes vestros usque ad captivitatem equorum vestrorum et ascendere feci putredinem castrorum vestrorum in nares vestras et non redistis ad me dicit Dominus

11 subverti vos sicut subvertit Deus Sodomam et Gomorram et facti estis quasi torris raptus de incendio et non redistis ad me dicit Dominus

12 quapropter haec faciam tibi Israhel postquam autem haec fecero tibi praeparare in occursum Dei tui Israhel

13 quia ecce formans montes et creans ventum et adnuntians homini eloquium suum faciens matutinam nebulam et gradiens super excelsa terrae Dominus Deus exercituum nomen eius

Amos 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.