THE

BOOK OF AMO S.

1

ARGUMENT.

AMOS was a herdsman of Tekoa, a small town about four miles southward of Jerusalem, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. Rural employments, however, were general and honourable among his countrymen. When he says, "I was no prophet, neither was I the son of a prophet," chap. vii. 14, he seems to distinguish himself from those who were educated in the schools instituted by Samuel. God, however, constituted him a prophet, and sent him, in the reign of Jeroboam the son of Joash, to utter is prophecies in the kingdom of Israel, in which he seems to have dwelt, (see chap. vii. 12,) though born and brought up in the tribe of Judah. He appears to have been cotemporary with Hosea; although it is likely he began to prophesy before him, and continued in his office a much shorter time. Some have confounded him with Amoz, the father of Isaiah; but their names, in the original, are very different, and their families too of a different character; for Isaiah was a courtier, Amos a countryman. St. Jerome gives this character of him, that "though he was rude in speech, yet not in knowledge." And many, following the authority of St. Jerome, have spoken of him as if he were quite rude and ineloquent, and destitute of all the embellishments of composition. The matter, however, is far otherwise. Let any person, who has candour and perspicacity enough to judge, not from the man, but from his writings, open the volume of his predictions, and he will find that this shepherd is not a whit behind the very chief of the prophets. He will agree, that as, in elevation of sentiments and loftiness of spirit, he is almost equal to the greatest; so in splendour of diction, elegance of expression, and beauty of composition, he is scarcely inferior to any. The same celestial Spirit, indeed, actuated Isaiah and Daniel in the court, and Amos in the sheepfolds; constantly selecting such interpreters of the divine will as were best adapted to the occasion; and sometimes, from the mouths of babes and sucklings, perfecting praise: occasionally employing the natural eloquence of some, and occasionally making others eloquent. See Bishop Lowth, De Sacra Poesi Hebræorum, Prælec. xxi. "He borrows," says Archbishop Newcome, "many images from the scenes in which he had been engaged; but he introduces them with skill, and gives them force and dignity by the eloquence and grandeur of his manner. We shall find in him many affecting and pathetic, many elegant and sublime passages. No prophet has more magnificently described the Deity; or more gravely rebuked the luxurious; or reproved injustice and oppression with greater warmth, and a more generous indignation." He begins with predictions of ruin to the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites, Ammonites, and Moabites. He next inveighs against the idolatry, the oppression, carnal confidence, wantonness, selfishness, and obstinacy of Israel and Judah; and threatens them with distress, ravage, captivity, and desolation, on account thereof; and particularly predicts, that the family of Jeroboam, however then prosperous, should be quickly cut off by the sword. He concludes his work with a prophecy of the Jews' return from Babylon; of the gathering of the Gentiles to Christ; and of the conversion of Israel and Judah; and their restoration to, and establishment in their land, in the beginning of the glorious millennium. It is probable he lived to see a great part of his predictions fulfilled, namely, in the civil wars that took place in Israel, and the captivity of the ten tribes.

CHAPTER I.

In this chapter we have the general title and scope of this prophecy, 1, 2. God's controversy with Syria, 3-5; with Palestine, 6-8; with Tyre, 9, 10; with Edom, 11, 12; and Ammon, 13–15.

Threatenings against

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a

AMOS.

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the Syrians. THE words of Amos, who was not turn away the punishment A. M. 3217 among the herdmen of b Tekoa, || thereof; because they have thrashed Gilead with thrashing instruments of iron: 4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, which shall devour the palaces of Ben-hadad.

which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of d Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

2 And he said, The LORD will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.

3 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will

i. 1.

h

1

5 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from 3 the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from * the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.

a Chap. vii. 14.- b 2 Sam. xiv. 2; 2 Chron. xx. 20. c Hos. 2 Or, convert it, or, let it be quiet, and so verse 6.- Li 2 Kings Chapter vii. 10.—e Zech. xiv. 5.-f Jer. xxv. 30; x. 33; xiii. 7.- * Jer. xvii. 27; xlix. 27; Verses 7, 10, 12; Joel iii. 16.1 Sam. xxv. 2; Isa. xxxiii. 9.- Isa. viii. 4;|| Chap. ii. 2, 5.- Jer. li. 30; Lam. ii. 9.-3Or, Bikathaven. xvii. 1; Jer. xlix. 23; Zech. ix. 1. Or, yea, for four. *Or, Beth-eden..—m Fulfilled, 2 Kings xvi. 9.——— Chap. ix. 7.

NOTES ON CHAPTER I.

Verse 1. The words of Amos-This inscription, and some similar ones prefixed to some of the books of the prophets, seem to have been formed by those who collected their writings together. Which he saw-Received by revelation; concerning Israel— Namely, the kingdom of the ten tribes, to which this prophecy chiefly refers; although the prophet briefly denounces God's judgments against Judah, and also against the Syrians, Philistines, and other neighbouring countries. In the days of Uzziah king of Judah-Called Azariah in the second book of Kings, chap. xv. And in the days of Jeroboam -The great-grandson of Jehu. Two years before the earthquake-Of which only this text, and Zech. xiv. 5, make particular mention; but it is thought to be referred to, Isa. v. 25. And Josephus, who attributes it to Uzziah's invasion of the priest's office, recorded 2 Chron. xxvi. 16, gives us some account of its effects.

Verse 3. For three transgressions, &c.-The prophet first denounces judgments against foreign countries, and afterward comes to Judah and Israel. He begins with Syria, the head or capital city of which was Damascus. By the expression, for three transgressions and for four, used here, and repeatedly afterward, he means, many or multiplied transgressions, a certain number being put, according to a very common way of speaking, for an uncertain. So we read, Job. v. 19, He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven no evil shall touch thee: see the like phrase, Prov. vi. 16; Eccl. xi. 2; Mic. v. 5. Once and twice are used, Psa. lxii. 11; twice and thrice, Job xxxiii. 29, (Heb.) So that the meaning here is, that on account of the frequent transgressions of Damascus, God was now resolved no longer to spare it. Because they have thrashed Gilead, &c.-This alludes to the thrashing-drag, or thrashing-wain, used in the eastern countries, and described in the note on Isa. xxviii. 27, which see. These instruments, being drawn by horses, or oxen, over the corn-sheaves spread on the floor, were proper and significant emblems of the tyrannical power of Syria, which cruelly oppressed and crushed the weak Gileadites, and other Israelites. It is probable that the cruelties exercised on them by Hazael and Ben-hadad, kings of Syria, are chiefly intended. The fact is recorded 2 Kings x. 32, 33, and xiii. 3-7, where it is said that Hazael made them like the dust by thrashing.

Verse 2. The Lord will roar from Zion-This and the next clause occur, Joel iii. 16, and a similar one, Jer. xxv. 30, where see the notes. The meaning is, that God would soon spread terror, like beasts of prey when they roar, chap. iii. 8: or, that he would soon display his power in executing judgment. And utter his voice from Jerusalem-The city God had chosen, where he dwelt; the seat of his instituted worship, and the royal seat of the kingdom, as God had settled it, but from which, in both respects, the ten tribes had revolted. The Verses 4, 5. But I will send a fire into the house habitations of the shepherds shall mourn-The of Hazael-God's judgments are often compared shepherds were wont to pitch their tents where to fire. But perhaps the expression may here sigthey found pasturage, and to dwell therein, that they nify, that the fine palaces of Hazael, and his son might attend their flocks. But it is here foretold, and successor Ben-hadad, should be burned down, as that the pasture-ground should wither and become they probably were in the taking of Damascus by barren, through a drought which would take place, Tiglath-pileser. I will break also the bar of Daand of which the prophet speaks, chap. iv. 7, 8. mascus-The gates and fortifications thereof, in Carmel was a mountainous tract of ground, which || which its strength consists, shall be broken down: ran through the two tribes of Issachar and Zebulon. || and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven— It is often described as one of the most fruitful || Or, Bikath-aven. The word signifies, the plain of places in all Judea: see Isa. xxxiii. 9, and xxxv. 2: upon which account the word is sometimes taken appellatively, and translated a fruitful field.

vanity; from whence some conjecture it was a place in Syria remarkable for idolatry, as Reth-el was called Beth-aven for the idolatry practise.

Threatenings against the

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6

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A. M. 3217. 6 ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For || delivered up the whole captivity to A. M. 3217. three transgressions of Gaza, and Edom, and remembered not the for four, I will not turn away the punish- brotherly covenant: ment thereof: because they carried away captive the whole captivity, P to deliver them up to Edom:

5

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9 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Tyrus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof: * because they

• 2 Chron. xxviii. 18; Isa. xiv. 29; Jer. xlvii. 4, 5; Ezekiel xxv. 15; Zeph. ii. 4. Or, carried them away with an entire captivity, 2 Chronicles xxi. 16, 17; Joel iii. 6.— -p Verse 9. 9 Jeremiah xlvii. 1.— Zeph. ii. 4; Zech. ix. 5.- - Psalm lxxxi. 14.- Jeremiah xlvii. 4; Ezekiel xxv. 16.--" Isaiah xxiii. 1; Jeremiah xlvii. 4; Ezek. xxvi.; xxvii.; xxviii.; Joel iii. 4, 5.x Verse 6.

there. And him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden-That is, the house of pleasure. Probably one of the pleasant palaces of the kings of Syria is intended. But Eden was likewise a country bordering on Syria, mentioned 2 Kings xix. 12; Ezek. xxvii. 23. And the people of Syria shall|| go into captivity-All this was fulfilled when Tiglath-pileser took Damascus, and carried the people captive to Kir, and slew Rezin their king: see the margin.

Verses 6-8. For three transgressions of Gaza, &c.-From Syria he passes to Palestine, upon the coast of which Gaza was situated. It is one of the places threatened by Joel, chap. iii. 6. Because they carried away the whole captivity-Or, a peaceable captivity, as Mr. Locke renders ; that

is, a captivity not taken in war, but by deceit: or, a perfect captivity, that is, not to be recovered. It appears, from 2 Chron. xxi. 16, and xxviii. 18, that || the Philistines (for the town of Gaza belonged to them) made frequent incursions upon the Jews and Israelites. And it is probable from this passage that || they were guilty of some injustice and cruelty, beyond the usual practice of war, in making captives, perhaps taking the peaceable inhabitants and all without distinction, the old and infirm as well as the young and healthy: or, making these incursions when Judah and Israel were at peace with them. Or, perhaps, their cruelty consisted in selling those they made captives to the Edomites, whom they knew to be mortal enemies of the Jews, and consequently, they might reasonably suppose, would treat them with great severity and tyranny. But I will send a fire, &c.-What is here foretold respecting the destruction of the cities of the Philistines, was fulfilled by Hezekiah, 2 Kings xviii. 8. The same was predicted by Isaiah, chap. xiv. 29.

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10 But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof. 11 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof: because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and 'did cast of all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever: 12 But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah. 13 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment

Heb. the covenant of brethren, 2 Samuel v. 11; 1 Kings v. 1; ix. 11-14.————y Verses 4, 7.—2 Isaiah xxi. 11; xxxiv. 5; Jer. xlix. 8, &c.; Ezekiel xxv. 12, 13, 14; xxxv. 2; Joel iii. 19; Obad. 1; Mal. i. 4. Gen. xxvii. 41; Deut. xxiii. 7; Mal. i. 2.- 2 Chron. xxviii. 17.- Heb. corrupted his compassions. c Ezek. xxxv. 5.-d Obad. 9, 10.- e Jer. xlix. 1, 2; Ezek. xxv. 2; Zeph. ii. 9.

remnant of the Philistines shall perish-These were cut off by the Assyrians: see Isa. xx.

Verse 9. For three transgressions of Tyrus, &c. This prediction is probably to be understood of the destruction of Tyre by Nebuchadnezzar, as foretold by Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel: see the margin. Because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom-Without doubt the Edomites used the Jewish captives with great barbarity, as the delivering of these captives up to them is also assigned as a principal reason of the punishment of Tyre, as it was of the punishment of Damascus, verse 6. And remembered not the brotherly covenant-That strict league and friendship begun between David and Hiram, king of Tyre, and afterward continued by Solomon, (see the margin,) Hiram giving Solomon the title of My brother, as we read 1 Kings ix. 13.

Verses 11, 12. For three transgressions of Edom, &c.-The Edomites, or Idumeans, are often threatened for their enmity against the Israelites, because they took all occasions to oppress and insult over them in their distress. Because he did pursue his brother with the sword-The Edomites retained the same hatred and animosity against their brethren, the Israelites, which their father Esau had expressed against his brother Jacob. But I will send a fire upon Teman, &c.-Teman and Bozrah were two principal cities of Idumea. The destruction here denounced against them was afterward brought upon them, in some degree, by Sennacherib, but more especially by Nebuchadnezzar: see notes on Jer. xlix. 7-22, and Ezek. xxv. 15.

Verses 13-15. For three transgressions of the children of Ammon-The Ammonites descended from Lot: see Gen. xix. 38. Their country lay to the east of Jordan, in the neighbourhood of Gilead. And the|| Because they have ripped up the women with child

15 And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the LORD.

h Deut. iii. 11; 2 Sam. xii. 26;
i Chap. ii. 2.-

Jeremiah xlix. 2; Ezek. xxv. 5. k Jer. xlix. 3.

This was intended to express the great violence with which this city should be attacked; and with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind-The destructions of war are often compared to the devastations caused by whirlwinds and tempests; and the metaphor is here introduced very naturally and sublimely. And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the Lord-Foretold also,

-Hazael, king of Syria, grievously afflicted the
Israelites that lay eastward of Jordan, particularly
the Gileadites: see 2 Kings x. 33. The low condi-
tion to which these countries were hereby reduced,
might probably encourage the Ammonites to possess
themselves of Gilead, and to destroy the inhabitants
in the cruel manner here stated. But I will kindle
a fire in the wall of Rabbah-The chief city of the
Ammonites. With shouting in the day of battle-Jeremiah xlix. 3.

CHAPTER II.

We have here God's controversy with Moab, 1-3; with Judah, 4, 5; and with Israel, 6-8. The aggravations of their sins, 9-12. God complains of them, and threatens their ruin, 13-16.

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A. M. 3217. THUS saith the LORD; For three || midst thereof, and will slay all the A. M. 3217. transgressions of a Moab, and for princes thereof with him, saith the four, I will not turn away the punishment LORD. thereof, because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

b

3 And I will cut off the judge from the

a Isa. xv., xvi.; Jeremiah xlviii.; Ezek. xxv. 8; Zeph. ii. 8. b2 Kings ii. 27.- . Jer. xlviii. 41. -d Ch. i. 14. Num.

NOTES ON CHAPTER II.

4 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; 'because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, h after the which their fathers have walked :

xxiv. 17; Jer. xlviii. 7.-f Leviticus xxvi. 14, 15; Daniel ix. 11. Isa. xxviii. 15; Rom. i. 25.- Ezek. xx. 13, 16, 18, 24, 30. &c.-Having denounced judgments against the heaVerses 1-3. For three transgressions of Moab- then nations, he now proceeds to denounce them Moab and Ammon being nearly related, (see Gen. against God's professing people, who were more xix. 37,) and bordering upon each other, they are guilty and inexcusable, as sinning against greater usually joined together in the threatenings of the light, and abusing greater advantages than those prophets. Because he burned the bones of the king with which the heathen were favoured. Because of Edom to lime-To plaster the walls of his house || they have despised the law of the Lord-The law with it, as the Chaldee paraphrase explains the text, which was holy, just, and good, and which raised which was most ungenerously and cruelly insulting them in dignity above every other nation. In despis over the dead. A like story is told by Sir Pauling this law they depised the wisdom, justice, and Rycaut (Present State of the Greek Church, chap. goodness of the Law-maker; and this they did, in ii.) of the walls of the city Philadelphia, made of the effect, when they observed not the commandments bones of the besieged, by the prince that took it by of it, and made no conscience of keeping them, or storm. I will send a fire upon Moab-Moab was con- acquainting themselves therewith. And their lies quered by Nebuchadnezzar, Jer. xxvii. 3, 6. It shall -Vulgate, Idola sua, their idols, or fictitious deities, devour the palaces of Kirioth-A principal city of have caused them to err-Their idolatry blinded this country. And Moab shall die with tumult-The them, partly from the natural tendency of this sin, Moabites shall be destroyed in the tumult of war. and partly from the just judgment of God. After And I will cut off the judge in the midst thereof the which-Idols; their fathers have walked—SucProbably the chief magistrate or king is intended. cessively, one generation after another, notwithVerses 4, 5. For three transgressions of Judah,|| standing all the warnings I have given them by my

CHAPTER II.

A. M. 3217. 5 But I will send a fire upon Ju- || in unto the same 1maid, "to profane A. M. 3217. dah, and it shall devour the palaces my holy name:

8 And they lay themselves down upon clothes • laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of 2 the condemned in the house of their god.

being such an instance of fornication as is scarce || heard of among the more civilized heathen, as St. Paul observes, 1 Cor. v. 1.