Amos 5:8-10

8. The seven stars R.V., “Pleiades”; literally, a cluster, that is, of stars.

Orion Hebrew, literally, a fool, a name that may embody an ancient mythological notion, namely, that this star is some fool who dared to rebel against the majesty of the deity, and who in punishment was chained in the sky. The two constellations attracted notice also among the early Greeks, partly on account of their brilliancy and partly “because their risings and settings with the sun marked the seasons.” The two represent the whole host of stars as a striking manifestation of Jehovah’s creative power (Job 9:9; Job 38:31).

Turneth the shadow of death R.V. margin, “deep darkness.” The etymology of the word is not quite certain. If it is a compound word it is literally “shadow of death”; if it is derived from a root found in Arabic and Assyrian, but not otherwise in Hebrew, it means simply “darkness” so LXX. Whatever the etymology, the darkness is the darkness of night, which Jehovah turns into day. With equal ease he turns the day into night.

Calleth for the waters of the sea A poetic description of the giving of rain (Amos 9:6); the waters hear the divine voice and immediately they respond. The natural phenomena enumerated are all evidences of the supreme power of Jehovah. It is less natural to see in the expressions references to extraordinary phenomena, such as eclipses of the sun or the flood.

Jehovah is his name With a similar statement close the doxologies in Amos 4:13, and Amos 9:6; here it should stand at the close of Amos 5:9. Is its presence at the close of Amos 5:8 another evidence of a possible disarrangement of the verses, or is Amos 5:9 a later addition either by Amos or by some one else? From the manifestation of the divine power in nature the prophet passes, in Amos 5:9, to their manifestation in God’s dealings with men.

That strengtheneth the spoiled Better, R.V., “that bringeth sudden destruction”; margin, more literally, “that causeth destruction to flash forth.”

Against the strong Who are able to withstand ordinary foes.

The spoiled shall come Better, R.V., “destruction cometh”; as a result of the divine manifestation.

Against the fortress The defenses in which the strong put their trust, and which in time of ordinary danger serve as a place of refuge. LXX., “he bringeth destruction” instead of “destruction cometh,” which is preferable.

Amos 5:10 continues the accusation of Amos 5:7, presenting other evidences of the corruption which impels the prophet to exhort so earnestly. They persecute those who take a stand for the right.

Rebuketh R.V., “reproveth.”

In the gate The principal public place in an ancient Oriental town, where court was held and justice administered (Amos 5:12; Amos 5:15; Deuteronomy 25:7; 1 Kings 22:10). The rebuke is that uttered in connection with the administration of justice, chiefly by the judge, who condemns unjust practices and silences false accusers, but also by anyone who rises in defense of the right (Isaiah 29:21).

Speaketh uprightly In defense of those accused unjustly.

Abhor A stronger word than hate.