BibleWare/BibWare.bin/bibref/mhc.exe/AM.TXT

Text File | 1996-06-12 | 18KB | 343 lines

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** Amos was a herdsman, and engaged in agriculture. But the same
Divine Spirit influenced Isaiah and Daniel in the court, and
Amos in the sheep-folds, giving to each the powers and eloquence
needful for them. He assures the twelve tribes of the
destruction of the neighbouring nations; and as they at that
time gave themselves up to wickedness and idolatry, he reproves
the Jewish nation with severity; but describes the restoration
of the church by the Messiah, extending to the latter days.

* Judgments against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites,
and Ammonites.

- GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the
people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services,
ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment.
Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the
oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does
not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the
measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method
in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each
there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has
been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with
his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!
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* Judgments against Moab and Judah. (1-8) The ingratitude and
ruin of Israel. (9-16)

#1-8 The evil passions of the heart break out in various forms;
but the Lord looks to our motives, as well as our conduct. Those
that deal cruelly, shall be cruelly dealt with. Other nations
were reckoned with for injuries done to men; Judah is reckoned
with for dishonour done to God. Judah despised the law of the
Lord; and he justly gave them up to strong delusion; nor was it
any excuse for their sin, that they were the lies, the idols,
after which their fathers walked. The worst abominations and
most grievous oppressions have been committed by some of the
professed worshippers of the Lord. Such conduct leads many to
unbelief and vile idolatry.

#9-16 We need often to be reminded of the mercies we have
received; which add much to the evil of the sins we have
committed. They had helps for their souls, which taught them how
to make good use of their earthly enjoyments, and were therefore
more valuable. Faithful ministers are great blessings to any
people; but it is God that raises them up to be so. Sinners' own
consciences will witness that he has not been wanting to them in
the means of grace. They did what they could to lead believers
aside. Satan and his agents are busy to corrupt the minds of
young people who look heavenward; they overcome many by drawing
them to the love of mirth and pleasure, and into drinking
company. Multitudes of young men who bade fair as professors of
religion, have erred through strong drink, and have been undone
for ever. The Lord complains of sin, especially the sins of his
professing people, as a burden to him. And though his
long-suffering be tired, his power is not, and so the sinner
will find to his cost. When men reject God's word, adding
obstinacy to sin, and this becomes the general character of a
people, they will be given up to misery, notwithstanding all
their boasted power and resources. May we then humble ourselves
before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness.
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* Judgments against Israel. (1-8) The like to other nations.
(9-15)

#1-8 The distinguishing favours of God to us, if they do not
restrain from sin, shall not exempt from punishment. They could
not expect communion with God, unless they first sought peace
with him. Where there is not friendship, there can be no
fellowship. God and man cannot walk together, except they are
agreed. Unless we seek his glory, we cannot walk with him. Let
us not presume on outward privileges, without special,
sanctifying grace. The threatenings of the word and providence
of God against the sin of man are certain, and certainly show
that the judgments of God are at hand. Nor will God remove the
affliction he has sent, till it has done its work. The evil of
sin is from ourselves, it is our own doing; but the evil of
trouble is from God, and is his doing, whoever are the
instruments. This should engage us patiently to bear public
troubles, and to study to answer God's meaning in them. The
whole of the passage shows that natural evil, or troubles, and
not moral evil, or sin, is here meant. The warning given to a
careless world will increase its condemnation another day. Oh
the amazing stupidity of an unbelieving world, that will not be
wrought upon by the terrors of the Lord, and that despise his
mercies!

#9-15 That power which is an instrument of unrighteousness, will
justly be brought down and broken. What is got and kept
wrongfully, will not be kept long. Some are at ease, but there
will come a day of visitation, and in that day, all they are
proud of, and put confidence in, shall fail them. God will
inquire into the sins of which they have been guilty in their
houses, the robbery they have stored up, and the luxury in which
they lived. The pomp and pleasantness of men's houses, do not
fortify against God's judgments, but make sufferings the more
grievous and vexatious. Yet a remnant, according to the election
of grace, will be secured by our great and good Shepherd, as
from the jaws of destruction, in the worst times.
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* Israel is reproved. (1-5) Their impenitence shown. (6-13)

#1-5 What is got by extortion is commonly used to provide for
the flesh, and to fulfil the lusts thereof. What is got by
oppression cannot be enjoyed with satisfaction. How miserable
are those whose confidence in unscriptural observances only
prove that they believe a lie! Let us see to it that our faith,
hope, and worship, are warranted by the Divine word.

#6-13 See the folly of carnal hearts; they wander from one
creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and
labour for that which satisfies not; yet, after all, they will
not incline their ear to Him in whom they might find all they
can want. Preaching the gospel is as rain, and every thing
withers where this rain is wanting. It were well if people were
as wise for their souls as they are for their bodies; and, when
they have not this rain near, would go and seek it where it is
to be had. As the Israelites persisted in rebellion and
idolatry, the Lord was coming against them as an adversary. Ere
long, we must meet our God in judgment; but we shall not be able
to stand before him, if he tries us according to our doings. If
we would prepare to meet our God with comfort, at the awful
period of his coming, we must now meet him in Christ Jesus, the
eternal Son of the Father, who came to save lost sinners. We
must seek him while he is to be found.
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* Israel is called to seek the Lord. (1-6) Earnest exhortations
to repentance. (7-17) Threatenings respecting idolatries.
(18-27)

#1-6 The convincing, awakening word must be heard and heeded, as
well as words of comfort and peace; for whether we hear or
forbear, the word of God shall take effect. The Lord still
proclaims mercy to men, but they often expect deliverance from
such self-invented forms as make their condemnation sure. While
they refuse to come to Christ and to seek mercy in and by him,
that they may live, the fire of Divine wrath breaks forth upon
them. Men may make an idol of the world, but will find it cannot
protect.

#7-17 The same almighty power can, for repenting sinners, easily
turn affliction and sorrow into prosperity and joy, and as
easily turn the prosperity of daring sinners into utter
darkness. Evil times will not bear plain dealing; that is, evil
men will not. And these men were evil men indeed, when wise and
good men thought it in vain even to speak to them. Those who
will seek and love that which is good, may help to save the land
from ruin. It behoves us to plead God's spiritual promises, to
beseech him to create in us a clean heart, and to renew a right
spirit within us. The Lord is ever ready to be graci