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Amos 2 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Amos 1 and 2 are really meant to be read and analyzed together as they are a review of the judgements from God. In Amos 2, however, we see God turn his attention away from Israel’s enemies to their own sinful acts. According to God, Judah was rejecting God’s law, disobeying God’s commandments, and following false gods. Amos was a shepherd from Judah but was sent to be a prophet for Israel, to which the offenses were far more severe.
Israel was guilty of horrific crimes including trampling the poor, denying justice to the oppressed, committing sexual acts outside of marriage, profaning the Lord’s name, wrongfully taking items as a pledge from those indebted to them, collecting fines from others, forcing Nazirites to drink wine, and commanding true prophets not to prophesy.
Think for a moment how personal this was for God. Anytime there is sin involved, it always becomes bigger when it’s personal. Take, for instance, the act of having sex outside of marriage which Israel was guilty of. In their culture, and in ours, it’s common for us know about people who are having sex outside of marriage. However, when it’s your daughter, it’s different. It’s personal.
Israel had been set aside. They were God’s people and he loved them dearly. He loved them so much he brought them out of captivity. He protected them faithfully from their enemies. He gave them hidden knowledge that others did not receive. He loved them enough to call reveal all this to them so that they would live fruitful and productive lives. And just like the daughter that goes and throws her body away after her father has desperately loved and protected her, Israel (and Judah) did much the same. It’s a father’s worst nightmare.
Think for a moment of how personal our sin is to God. Think of how dearly He loves you. Consider those things in your life that “aren’t a big deal.” Would you receive the same words here that God is giving to Israel and Judah? Jesus’ sacrifice illustrates His seriousness for our wayward lifestyle. His answer is love.