Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Amos 5:12
"For I know how manifold are your transgressions, and how mighty your sins, ye that afflict the just, that take a bribe, and turn aside the needy in the gate from their right."What is evident in this verse is not merely oppression of the poor, despite that's being an invariable result of it, but the absolute corruption of Israel's judiciary. The courts of law are always the last vestiges of justice in a decadent society; and when that is gone, there is nothing else left to go. It is that awful... read more
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Amos 5:12
transgressions. Hebrew pasha. App-44 . sins. Hebrew. chata App-44 . they afflict = oppressors [as ye are] of. the just = a righteous one. take a bribe. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 35:31 , Numbers 35:32 , the same word). App-92 , turn aside. Reference to Pentateuch, (Exodus 23:6 . Deuteronomy 16:19 ; Deuteronomy 24:17 . The same Hebrew word in all three cases). App-92 , Compare Isaiah 29:21 .Malachi 3:5 . the poor' needy ones. Hebrew. 'ebyee . See note on "poverty", Proverbs 6:11 .... read more