Amos' Enumeration of the Sixth and Seventh Sins of Israel
Amos' Enumeration of the Sixth and Seventh Sins of Israel
The prophet Amos enumerates a series of sins committed by Israel, which ultimately lead to their downfall. In Amos 2:6-8, the prophet lists several transgressions, with the sixth and seventh being particularly noteworthy [1].
The sixth sin mentioned is the selling of the righteous for silver and the poor for a pair of shoes. This refers to the corrupt judicial system where judges would take bribes to condemn the innocent. The phrase "for a pair of shoes" is a metaphor for a trivial amount, highlighting the extent of the corruption [5]. According to Adam Clarke, this practice was rampant, with judges being mercenary and corrupt [5].
The seventh sin is related to the sixth, as it involves the oppression of the poor and the needy. Amos 2:7 states that they "pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor" and "turn aside the way of the meek" [1]. This verse is interpreted by John Gill as referring to the avaricious and covetous behavior of the Israelites, who were eager to get rich by any means, even at the expense of the poor [3].
The enumeration of these sins serves as a climax to Amos' prophecy against Israel, which began with a series of judgments against the surrounding nations [4]. According to Keil & Delitzsch, the announcement of judgment maintains a certain uniformity throughout, with each nation being threatened with destruction [4].
The context of Amos' prophecy is crucial in understanding the significance of the sixth and seventh sins. Israel was at the height of its prosperity during the reign of Jeroboam II, but this prosperity was accompanied by widespread corruption and idolatry [2]. As Easton's Bible Dictionary notes, Amos prophesied during the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and was contemporary with Isaiah and Hosea [2].
The sins enumerated by Amos are not isolated incidents but rather a pattern of behavior that is deeply ingrained in Israelite society. Matthew Henry observes that the prophet highlights the aggravating circumstances of Israel's sins, including their ingratitude towards God for the temporal and spiritual mercies they had received [6].
The consequences of these sins are severe. Amos 2:13-16 describes the impending judgment, which will be characterized by destruction and chaos [1]. The prophet emphasizes that God's judgment is not arbitrary but rather a response to Israel's persistent rebellion against Him.
Sources
- Amos “Amos 2:6 (BBE) — These are the words of the Lord: For three crimes of Israel, and for four, I will not let its fate be changed; because they have given the upright man for silver, and the poor for the price of two shoes;”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Amos — Borne; a burden, one of the twelve minor prophets. He was a native of Tekota, the modern Tekua, a town about 12 miles south-east of Bethlehem. He was a man of humble birth, neither a "prophet nor a prophet's son," but "an herdman and a dresser of sycomore trees," R.V. He prophesied in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and was contemporary with Isaiah and Hosea (Amos 1:1; 7:14, 15; Zech. 14:5), who survived him a few years. Under Jeroboam II. the kingdom of Israel rose to the zenith of its prosperity; but that was followed by the prevalence of luxury and vice ”
- Amos (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Amos 2 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO AMOS 2 In this chapter the prophet foretells the calamities that should come upon the Moabites for their transgressions, Amo 2:1; and the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem for their iniquities, Amo 2:4; 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, Amo 2:6; and which are aggravated by the blessings of goodness bestowed upon them, both temporal and spiritual, Amo 2:9; wherefore they are threatened with ruin, which wo”
- Amos (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Amos 1 (introduction): I. The Approaching Judgment - Amo 1:1-15 and 2 Starting from the saying of Joel (Joe 3:16), "Jehovah will roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem," Amos announces the wrath of the Lord, which will discharge itself upon Damascus (Amo 1:3-5), Philistia (Amo 1:6-8), Tyre (Amo 1:9-10), Edom (Amo 1:11-12), Ammon (Amo 1:13-15), Moab (Amo 2:1-3), Judah (Amo 2:4-5), and Israel (Amo 2:6-16). The announcement of this judgment maintains a certain uniformity throughout; every one of these nations being threatened with the destruction of the kingdom, ”
- Amos (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Amos 2:6: For three transgressions of Israel, etc. - To be satisfied of the exceeding delinquency of this people, we have only to open the historical and prophetic books in any part; for the whole history of the Israelites is one tissue of transgression against God. Their crimes are enumerated under the following heads: - 1. Their judges were mercenary and corrupt. They took bribes to condemn the righteous; and even for articles of clothing, such as a pair of shoes, they condemned the poor man, and delivered him into the hands of his adversary. 2. They were unmerciful to the po”
- Amos (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Amos 2 (introduction): In this chapter, I. God, by the prophet, proceeds in a like controversy with Moab as before with other nations (Amo 2:1-3). II. He shows what quarrel he had with Judah (Amo 2:4, Amo 2:5). III. He at length begins his charge against Israel, to which all that goes before is but an introduction. Observe, 1. The sins they are charged with - injustice, oppression, whoredom (Amo 2:6-8). 2. The aggravations of those sins - the temporal and spiritual mercies God had bestowed upon them, for which they had made him such ungrateful returns (Amo 2:9-12). 3. God's co”