True Prophets Challenge Their Own People

Amos continues a series of judgments on the nations around Israel. From Ammon at the end of chapter 1 he moves on to Moab in the beginning of chapter 2. 

Amos 2:1–3 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because he burned to lime the bones of the king of Edom. 2 So I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the strongholds of Kerioth, and Moab shall die amid uproar, amid shouting and the sound of the trumpet; 3 I will cut off the ruler from its midst, and will kill all its princes with him,” says the LORD.

We should note that the Lord condemned the actions of Edom, who mercilessly treated his enemies; now Edom is the victim of Moab's merciless treatment. The image of "burning" bones of the king expresses a deep hostility within the nation. 

It is an oft-forgotten reality that those who are hurt also hurt others. No one stands innocent in the righteousness. We are all cursed with the inward enslavement to sin and push others down. God's fire of punishment will come upon all those who do not repent. 

Thus ends Amos' pronouncements upon the nations. The people of Israel probably appreciated his "sermon" to this point. But the prophet is not done, and in the next verse, he proves what every true prophet is willing to do: challenge his own people to repent. 

Amos 2:4–5 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they have rejected the law of the LORD, and have not kept his statutes, but their lies have led them astray, those after which their fathers walked. 5 So I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the strongholds of Jerusalem.”

Judah was the southern kingdom that remained loyal to David's house during the time of Rehoboam. Yet they did not stay faithful to the law of the Lord. Their punishment appears to be for lesser crimes. There's no mention of the slave trade, murderous hate, or killing. The prophet mentions simply that they were led astray by their own lies. Those who have more knowledge of God are held to a higher standard by Him. Amos is clear: just as God will judge the pagan, Gentile nations, so He will judge Judah, Amos' home.

Moving on, Amos has a message from the Lord for the Northern Kingdom of Israel:

Amos 2:6–8 (ESV) Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals— 7 those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same girl, so that my holy name is profaned; 8 they lay themselves down beside every altar on garments taken in pledge, and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.

Israel deteriorated more rapidly and wickedly than Judah. They did evil to the most vulnerable and committed heinous sexual sins. They worshiped at every false altar and robbed one another. They reveled in the place where they should have worshiped. Amos tells them, the Lord says, "Enough!"

Not only did Israel do these things among the people, but they turned their religious leaders toward sin. 

Amos 2:12 (ESV) “But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘You shall not prophesy.’

It's an interesting thought Amos presents. The wickedness of the people spread to their leaders. Yikes! How often do we see weakness in the pulpits today because the leaders are following the flock instead of challenging them? 

The result, says Amos, is national weakness. 

Amos 2:14–16 (ESV) Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain his strength, nor shall the mighty save his life; 15 he who handles the bow shall not stand, and he who is swift of foot shall not save himself, nor shall he who rides the horse save his life; 16 and he who is stout of heart among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day,” declares the LORD.

The strength God provides is rooted in obedience to His commands and reverence for His Name. Many nations and people groups have believed they could "go it alone" and live "on their terms" only to discover the hard way, it doesn't work. 

Amos is a true prophet, challenging those outside and inside the covenants of the Lord. God, give us leaders who will do the same today. 

1 Peter 4:17 (ESV) For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?