he near approach of the ruin of Israel. (1-3) Oppression
reproved. (4-10) A famine of the word of God. (11-14)
Verses 1-3: Amos saw a basket of summer fruit gathered, and ready to be
eaten; which signified, that the people were ripe for
destruction, that the year of God's patience was drawing towards
a conclusion. Such summer fruits will not keep till winter, but
must be used at once. Yet these judgments shall not draw from
them any acknowledgement, either of God's righteousness or their
own unrighteousness. Sinners put off repentance from day to day,
because they think the Lord thus delays his judgments.
Verses 4-10: The rich and powerful of the land were the most guilty of
oppression, as well as the foremost in idolatry. They were weary
of the restraints of the sabbaths and the new moons, and wished
them over, because no common work might be done therein. This is
the character of many who are called Christians. The sabbath day
and sabbath work are a burden to carnal hearts. It will either
be profaned or be accounted a dull day. But can we spend our
time better than in communion with God? When employed in
religious services, they were thinking of marketings. They were
weary of holy duties, because their worldly business stood still
the while. Those are strangers to God, and enemies to
themselves, who love market days better than sabbath days, who
would rather be selling corn than worshipping God. They have no
regard to man: those who have lost the savour of piety, will not
long keep the sense of common honesty. They cheat those they
deal with. They take advantage of their neighbour's ignorance or
necessity, in a traffic which nearly concerns the labouring
poor. Could we witness the fraud and covetousness, which, in
such numerous forms, render trading an abomination to the Lord,
we should not wonder to see many dealers backward in the service
of God. But he who thus despises the poor, reproaches his Maker;
as it regards Him, rich and poor meet together. Riches that are
got by the ruin of the poor, will bring ruin on those that get
them. God will remember their sin against them. This speaks the
case of such unjust, unmerciful men, to be miserable indeed,
miserable for ever. There shall be terror and desolation every
where. It shall come upon them when they little think of it.
Thus uncertain are all our creature-comforts and enjoyments,
even life itself; in the midst of life we are in death. What
will be the wailing in the bitter day which follows sinful and
sensual pleasures!
Verses 11-14: Here was a token of God's highest displeasure. At any
time, and most in a time of trouble, a famine of the word of God
is the heaviest judgment. To many this is no affliction, yet
some will feel it very much, and will travel far to hear a good
sermon; they feel the loss of the mercies others foolishly sin
away. But when God visits a backsliding church, their own plans
and endeavours to find out a way of salvation, will stand them
in no stead. And the most amiable and zealous would perish, for
want of the water of life, which Christ only can bestow. Let us
value our advantages, seek to profit by them, and fear sinning
them away.
he near approach of the ruin of Israel. (1-3) Oppression
reproved. (4-10) A famine of the word of God. (11-14)