Amos 2:6-16

THE SIN AND PUNISHMENT OF ISRAEL, Amos 2:6-16.

The denunciations in Amos 1:3 to Amos 2:5, are preparatory to Amos 2:6-16, which is the thesis of the entire book. Chapters 3ff. are an elaboration of this thesis. If other nations, less favored than Israel, are to be punished for their sins, can Israel, with its superior privileges and advantages, hope to escape judgment? The prophet begins his accusation in the same stereo-typed form, but he departs from it after the first verse. He opens with the presentation of the indictment (Amos 3:6-8), containing two counts: (1) oppression of the poor, (2) immorality and inordinate self-indulgence practiced in the name of religion. With this conduct he contrasts the divine care for Israel and condemns the base ingratitude of the corrupt nation (Amos 3:9-12). He closes with an announcement of the speedy destruction of the people (Amos 3:13-15).