Ancient Sins That Seem Strangely Familiar - AMOS STARTS

The Lord will softly speak. And the Lord will shout when necessary. In Amos, the prophet opens up with the latter. 

Amos 1:1–2 (ESV) The words of Amos, who was among the shepherds of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. 2 And he said: “The LORD roars from Zion and utters his voice from Jerusalem; the pastures of the shepherds mourn, and the top of Carmel withers.”

Amos is a southern kingdom prophet who lived during the reign of a righteous and noble king builder, Uzziah, and then in the years of the naive yet Lord-honoring Jeroboam. It was a world of peace and advancement. The lack of war led to significant commercial endeavors. However, that peace and prosperity gave rise to a different side of societal sin that is often found in modern America—a system based on greed and indulgence. 

Amos opens his book denouncing the 6 nations outside of Israel and Judah. No doubt, this judgment toward foreign countries was a welcome message to Israel, which often bore the scorn of God's prophets themselves. In the first chapter, over-indulgence, hateful hostility toward neighbors, and a me-first attitude amongst the people are called out. 

Damascus is judged for their "get all you can" mindset. 

Amos 1:3 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with threshing sledges of iron.

The idiom "three sins and for four" refers to enough sin that judgment has come. Damascus is the capital of Syria, a nation God used to discipline Israel in 1 Kings 10, but their king carried it too far and overwhelmed the land. The "threshed" them as if to completely wipe them out. God will send judgment. 

Amos 1:4 (ESV) So I will send a fire upon the house of Hazael, and it shall devour the strongholds of Ben-hadad.

Gaza, the capital city of Philistia, is next:

Amos 1:6 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they carried into exile a whole people to deliver them up to Edom.

The people of Gaza, in vengeful hatred, captured and sold Israelites into slavery to their ancient nemesis, Edom. For those who think slave trading is permissible to the Lord, think again; both Testaments denounce it, and here Gaza is judged for it.

Amos 1:7 (ESV) So I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, and it shall devour her strongholds.

In the next denouncement, Tyre is judged for the same sin. Ezekiel also called Tyre to account for treating people as property to be traded. 

Ezekiel 27:13 (ESV) Javan, Tubal, and Meshech traded with you; they exchanged human beings and vessels of bronze for your merchandise.

Edom is next. 

Amos 1:11 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity, and his anger tore perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever.

Edom, of course, is the nation of historic brotherly rivalry with Israel, descending from the firstborn, Esau of Isaac, who gave his blessing to Jacob, the younger brother. While the brothers reconciled, their descendants harbored animosity. When Israel came out of Egypt, Edom would not let them pass through their land. Now, Amos calls them to account for that residing hatred. It "tore" in their hearts and they cast off pity. God will not stand for continual resentment. God says...

Amos 1:12 (ESV) So I will send a fire upon Teman, and it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah.”

The Ammonites are resoundingly condemned. They did the unthinkable, killing off women and children to expand their territory in the land. 

Amos 1:13 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead, that they might enlarge their border.

To consider territory or treasure more valuable to people is a stench to God. Jesus came to save people from sin and enslavement. The Lord will hold accountable those who offer up children to the gods of prosperity and success.

Amos 1:14 (ESV) So I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour her strongholds, with shouting on the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind;

In the first chapter of Amos, we find strong language for similar sins in our day. When we harbor hatred for others, treat people as property, and seek prosperity at any cost, we are no better than these pagan ancient nations. 

Let us remember the Lord who came to give His life so that God's people might live and then calls us to seek out ways to love even our enemies for His sake as we, who were once His enemies have been graced with His peace.