
Amos 2
Amos 2 continues the prophet Amos's pronouncement of God’s judgment on the nations surrounding Israel, including Israel and Judah themselves. This chapter condemns their injustices, highlighting specific sins, and announces consequences that would soon follow. It emphasizes the impartiality of God’s justice, showing that both foreign nations and God's chosen people will be held accountable for their actions.
Amos 2:1-3 (NKJV)
1 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.
2 But I will send a fire upon Moab, And it shall devour the palaces of Kerioth; Moab shall die with tumult, With shouting and trumpet sound.
3 And I will cut off the judge from its midst, And slay all its princes with him,” Says the Lord.
Moab is condemned for a particular act of desecration—burning the bones of Edom’s king. This act represents deep disrespect and disregard for human dignity. God’s response is severe, with fire symbolizing total destruction, not just of Moab’s cities but its leadership. By targeting Moab’s rulers and palaces, God demonstrates that Moab’s pride and power will not shield it from judgment.
Amos 2:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they have despised the law of the Lord, And have not kept His commandments. Their lies lead them astray, Lies which their fathers followed.
5 But I will send a fire upon Judah, And it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.”
Unlike the other nations, Judah is judged for forsaking God’s law. This violation is significant, as Judah, having received God’s teachings, chose idolatry and deception over truth. The consequence—a fire upon Jerusalem—indicates that even God’s people are not exempt from judgment if they disregard His commandments. God’s impartiality is evident, as He holds Judah to a high standard due to their covenantal relationship.
Amos 2:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they sell the righteous for silver, And the poor for a pair of sandals.
7 They pant after the dust of the earth which is on the head of the poor, And pervert the way of the humble. A man and his father go in to the same girl, To defile My holy name.
8 They lie down by every altar on clothes taken in pledge, And drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.”
Israel is judged for a range of sins, including exploiting the poor, sexual immorality, and disregard for sacred laws. The imagery here highlights the moral decay in Israelite society. The exploitation of the vulnerable and profaning of God’s name reveal a society where justice and righteousness have been corrupted. Their actions violate God’s commands, showing how far they have strayed from His standards.
Amos 2:9-12 (NKJV)
9 “Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, Whose height was like the height of the cedars, And he was as strong as the oaks; Yet I destroyed his fruit above And his roots beneath.
10 Also it was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt, And led you forty years through the wilderness, To possess the land of the Amorite.
11 I raised up some of your sons as prophets, And some of your young men as Nazirites. Is it not so, O you children of Israel?” Says the Lord.
12 “But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, And commanded the prophets saying, ‘Do not prophesy!’”
Here, God reminds Israel of His past blessings, delivering them from powerful enemies and guiding them to the Promised Land. He appointed prophets and Nazirites as moral guides, but Israel rejected them. Their rejection of God’s chosen representatives illustrates a deeper rebellion, not just against individuals but against God Himself, ignoring His continual care and guidance.
Amos 2:13-16 (NKJV)
13 “Behold, I am weighed down by you, As a cart full of sheaves is weighed down.
14 Therefore flight shall perish from the swift, The strong shall not strengthen his power, Nor shall the mighty deliver himself;
15 He shall not stand who handles the bow, The swift of foot shall not escape, Nor shall he who rides a horse deliver himself.
16 The most courageous men of might Shall flee naked in that day,” Says the Lord.
In these final verses, God declares that Israel’s impending judgment will be inescapable. Despite their strength, speed, and military skill, none will evade the consequences. This prophecy illustrates the futility of relying on human power against divine justice. Even the bravest warriors will be vulnerable, underscoring the completeness of God’s impending judgment on Israel.