Edom, and Ammon.

Before CHRIST 787.

| Or, divided the mountain.

tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:

12 But I will send a fire upon Teman, which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.

13 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:

15 And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the Lord.

CHAP. II.

1 God's wrath against Moab, 4 upon Judah, 6 and upon Israel. 9 God complaineth of their unthankfulness.

TH

HUS saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punish

brethren. It is probable that before Amos prophesied, the Edomites had often distressed Judah and Israel in times of calamity. That this was their custom, see 2 Chron. xxviii. 17. But the words may be spoken prophetically of the conduct which the Edomites would pursue at the taking of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Obad. 11-14; Ezek. xxv. 12; xxxv. 5; Ps. cxxxvii. 7. Abp. Newcome.

12. I will send a fire &c.] Nebuchadnezzar subdued the Edomites, Jer. xxv. 9, 21; xxvii. 3, 6. Judas Maccabeus obtained a great victory over them, 1 Mac. v. 3; probably after they had left the Nabatheans in consequence of a sedition, and had settled to the south of Judah for it seems that the Babylonian conquests had compelled them to take refuge in that part of Arabia. Afterwards Hyrcanus reduced them under subjection, and permitted them to remain in their country, on condition that they conformed to the Jewish laws : see the note on Obad. ver. 2. Teman and Bozrah were cities of Idumea. Abp. Newcome.

13.- of the children of Ammon,] Hazael king of Syria grievously afflicted the Israelites that lay eastward of Jordan, particularly the Gileadites; see 2 Kings x. 33. The low condition, to which these countries were reduced, might probably encourage the Ammonites to possess themselves of Gilead, which lay near their own borders, and to destroy the inhabitants in the cruel manner here described. Compare Jer. xlix. 1; Zeph. ii. 8; Hos. xiii. 16. W. Lowth. The histories of those times, transmitted down to us, are so concise, that we often want information concerning the particular facts alluded to. Abp. Newcome.

God's wrath against Moab.

ment thereof; because he a burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:

Before CHRIST 787.

a 2 Kings 3.

2 But I will send a fire upon Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of 27. Kirioth and Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet:

3 And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof, and will slay all the princes thereof with him, saith the LORD.

4 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have despised the law of the LORD, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after the which their fathers have walked :

5 But I will send a fire upon Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.

6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the b Chap. 8. 6. righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

tions caused by whirlwinds and tempests: see Isai. v. 26; Jer. xxv. 32; Dan. xi. 40; Zech. ix. 14. W. Lowth.

Chap. II. ver. 1.- Moab,] As Moab and Ammon were nearly related, and bordered upon each other, so they are usually joined together in the threatenings of the Prophets see Jer. xlviii, xlix; Ezek. xxv. 1—8; Zeph. ii. 8. W. Lowth. For the origin of these two people, see Gen. xix. 37, 38. Their country lay to the east of the Dead sea. Abp. Newcome.

| because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime:] That is, into ashes, out of contempt and inhumanity. This is in all probability to be looked on as a distinct fact from that related in 2 Kings iii. 27, the circumstances being so widely different. Kirioth was the chief city of Moab. Dr. Wells.

3.- the judge] This word denotes the supreme magistrate or governour, see Deut. xvii. 9, and is here equivalent to the king. Compare Mic. v. 1. W. Lowth. Moab was conquered by Nebuchadnezzar, Jer. xxvii. 3, 6. Abp. Newcome.

6.- Israel,] Amos first prophesied against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites, Ammonites, and Moabites; who dwelt in the neighbourhood of the twelve tribes, and had occasionally become their enemies and oppressors. Having thus taught his countrymen that the providence of God extended to other nations, he briefly mentions the idolatries and consequent destruction of Judah, and then passes on to his proper subject, which was to exhort and reprove the kingdom of Israel, and to denounce judgments against it. The reason why that kingdom was particularly addressed seems to have been, that Pul invaded it in the reign of Uzziah, 2 Kings xv. 19; and that in less than half a century after the first Assyrian invasion, it was subverted by Shalmaneser, 2 Kings xvii. 6. Abp. Newcome.

The particular sins, for which the Israelites are threatened with punishment, were, first, Their notorious cruelty and oppression in the corrupt administration of justice; Secondly, Their covetousness, in perverting justice for the most paltry recompence; Thirdly, Their licentious and incestuous commerce. Danæus.

7. That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor,] All their desire is after this unprofitable dust of the earth, silver and gold, which they eagerly desire to gain, even by trampling on the heads of the poor. Bp. Hall. Or the sense may be taken according to the Latin version, "Who tread down the heads of the poor into the dust of the earth;" that is, they throw them into the dust, and then trample upon them. W. Lowth.

turn aside the way of the meek:] That is, from right and justice: see chap. v. 12; Isai. x. 1; xxix. 21. Abp. Newcome.

to profane my holy name: :] To treat Me as if I was not a holy and fearful God, Ezek. xx. 39; or, by giving occasion of reproach among the heathen, Ezek. xx. 9. Abp. Newcome.

And they lay themselves down &c.] This is to be understood of the feasts, which were made of part of their idolatrous sacrifices, and were eaten in some of the apartments of their temples, according to the custom both of the Jews and Gentiles: see 1 Sam. ix. 12, 13, 22; Isai. lvii. 7; Ezek. xxiii. 41. The Prophet reproves them, not only for partaking of things offered to idols, but likewise for making use of other men's furniture, left in their hands for a pledge, to set off their idolatrous entertainments. Here was another instance of their unmercifulness, to detain pledges received from the poor, contrary to law, Exod. xxii. 26. See note upon Ezek. xviii. 7. The Jews as well as the Romans used to lie along at their meals on couches, as appears by this verse; compare chap. vi. 4. This custom continued in aftertimes, as appears by several places in the Gospels, where it is in the original," lay down to meat;" though our translation renders it "sat down to meat,"

of their unthankfulness.

to drink; and commanded the phets, saying, Prophesy not.

e

pro

13 Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves.

Before CHRIST 787.

e Chap. 7. 12.

Or, I will

press your place, as a

cart full of

14 Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not presseth. strengthen his force, neither shall the mighty deliver † himself:

15 Neither shall he stand that handleth the bow; and he that is swift of foot shall not deliver himself: neither shall he that rideth the horse deliver himself.

+ Heb. his soul, or, life.

16 And he that is courageous + Heb.strong among the mighty shall flee away of his heart." naked in that day, saith the Lord.

1

CHAP. III.

The necessity of God's judgment against Israel. 9 The publication of it, with the causes thereof.

HEAR this word that the LORD hath spoken against you, O chil

The custom of sitting at meals seems to have been the more ancient of the two. See Gen. xliii. 33; 1 Sam. ix. 22; xvi. 11; xx. 25. W. Lowth.

and they drink the wine of the condemned] The drink offerings made with wine were a necessary part of the sacrifices; some of them were reserved for the entertainment that followed: see Exod. xxxii. 6. And this was provided out of the fines of such as had been unjustly condemned, ver. 6. W. Lowth.

9. Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, &c.] The sins of the Israelites against God are here amplified by the sundry and great benefits of God towards the Israelites: first by the utter destruction of the powerful and valiant nation of the Amorites; and then by the blessings which He bountifully bestowed upon them, as in their deliverance from Egypt, and their establishment in the promised land, ver. 10, so also in the guidance which He vouchsafed them by means of Prophets and holy men devoted to His service, ver. 11. But these benefits they neglected or despised, especially those of a spiritual kind; enticing the Nazarites to break their vow of abstinence, Numb. vi. 2, &c. and forbidding the admonitions of the Prophets, ver. 12. Danaus.

13. Behold, I am pressed under you, &c.] I am ever overlaid with your wickedness: it is with Me as with a cart that is overpressed with a load of sheaves, which goes heavily, and is ready to break under the burden. Bp. Hall.

14. Therefore the flight shall perish from the swift, &c.] That is, God shall render ineffectual all their resources and methods of escape; whether they be natural, as swiftness of foot and strength of body, or acquired by industry, diligence, and wit, as power and authority among others, skill in battle, or riches, and horses trained for war. Hence appears the vanity of all human devices set up in opposition to the judgments of God. Nothing but God's mercy can deliver us from His justice; and that mercy is to be obtained only by true repentance through the promises of God in Christ Jesus. Danæus,

The necessity of God's judgment.

Before CHRIST 787.

upon.

3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion + Heb. give cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?

forth his voice.

Or, not run together.

5 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?

6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people || not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, || and the shall not the LORD hath not done it?

Or, and

LORD do

somewhat?

7 Surely the Lord GoD will do

Chap. III. ver. 1. — against the whole family &c.] All that family, of which Jacob or Israel was the head: family" is equivalent to people, here and in the following verse; and so it is taken, Jer. i. 15; viii. 3; x. 25; Nahum iii. 4; Zech. xiv. 18. W. Lowth.

2. You only have I known &c.] You only have I chosen from all other nations for My peculiar people, and have bestowed most cost and care upon you: therefore, since you have abused My mercies and rebelled against Me, ye shall be surely punished. Bp. Hall. The more and the greater are the benefits of God towards a people, so much the more shameful is their ingratitude in despising God, and their sin the greater and more heinous. Danaus.

3. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?] Will common reason permit two to walk friendly together, unless they be real friends? In like manner it is altogether unreasonable for you to think, that I will deal with you as your friend, while ye thus sin against Me, and so act as those who hate Me, or are My enemies.

Dr. Wells.

4. Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey?] As a lion doth not use to roar but when he hath his prey in view, so neither doth God denounce His judgments unless your sins have made you proper objects of His displeasure. W. Lowth. Naturalists assert, that, when the lion sees his prey, he roars before he rushes on it, and that at this roaring many animals shew great fear. Abp. Newcome.

5. Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is &c.] As birds are not caught without the net of the fowler being already set and laid; and as the fowler doth not take up his nets, before he has secured a prey; so neither doth God threaten these things without being prepared to execute His judgments; nor will He withdraw His hand, but will punish you, except ye repent. Danaus.

6. Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? &c.] Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, to summon the inhabitants to the walls, yet the people find no cause of the fear of an enemy? no more would God by His Prophets denounce these imminent judgments, if there were not just cause to expect and

unto his servants the prophets.

8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

Before CHRIST 787.

9¶ Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the || oppressed in the Or midst thereof.

10 For they know not to do right, saith the LORD, who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.

11 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.

oppressions.

Or, spoil.

12 Thus saith the LORD; As the shepherd + taketh out of the mouth of Heb. the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear;

delivereth.

fear their speedy execution: and who shall or can execute them, but the just and powerful hand of God? Can there be any evil of punishment in the city, yea in the world, which is not of His sending, His inflicting? Bp. Hall. Shall the evil of earthquakes, of unfruitful seasons, of hostile incursions, befall My people without My special appointment? Abp. Newcome.

By the "evil" here spoken of is not to be understood sin, or the evil of guiltiness, but affliction or trouble, or the evil of punishment; for God is not either the author or the cause of our sin, but we ourselves. Compare James i. 13, 14; Hosea xiii. 9. Danæus.

7. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, &c.] There was a succession of Prophets among the Jews from Samuel's time, till the captivity: the people commonly consulted them upon extraordinary occasions, and they gave them counsel and direction what was proper to be done. See chap. ii. 11; 1 Kings xxii. 13; 2 Kings iii. 11; xxii. 13; Jer. xxi. 2; Ezek. xx. 1, &c. The want of this prophetical gift was much lamented in the times of the captivity. See Ezek. vii. 26; Lament. ii. 9; Psal. lxxiv. 9. W. Lowth.

8. The lion hath roared, &c.] The awful admonitions uttered by the Prophets are as natural a consequence of God's command, as fear is of the lion's roaring. Abp. Newcome.

9. Publish in the palaces at Ashdod, &c.] God calls upon the heathen to be witnesses of His judgments upon His own people, that they may take warning thereby : particularly He gives notice to the "Philistines" and

Egyptians," the Jews' inveterate enemies, that they may assemble themselves, and with pleasure behold the ravages and oppressions which their insulting adversaries will bring upon the kingdom of Israel. W. Lowth.

The causes of God's judgment.

Before so

787.

Or, on the bed's feet.

Israel for.

out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and || in Damascus in a couch.

13 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord GOD, the God of hosts,

14 That in the day that I shall Or, punish visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Beth-el: and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground. 15 And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the LORD.

CHAP. IV.

1 He reproveth Israel for oppression, 4 for idolatry, 6 and for their incorrigibleness.

that dwell in the corner of a bed,] It means, that not many of those, who dwell and live delicately in Samaria, shall be able to deliver themselves from destruction. The delicacy and luxuriousness of their lives is described by their beds and couches, on which they daily lie and repose themselves. Danaus, Dr. Wells, Abp. Newcome.

Those now most at their ease shall be delivered to their enemies, like sheep to the lion and scarce any of them be rescued from his jaws.

:

We learn from Bp. Pocock, Maundrell, Hanway, and other travellers, that in the East the place of honour, the most easy, voluptuous, indulging station, is the corner; and that it is the position in which great men usually place themselves. The word rendered “bed,” may be understood of a divan or sofa. Harmer, Parkhurst, Fragments to Calmet. See the note on Deut. iii. 11, from Fragments to Calmet.

- and in Damascus in a couch.] That is, who are now in high honour in their own, or indulging in foreign luxuries in other countries. Damascus was a most delightful place; and, as Amos delivered this prophecy "in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel," chap. i. 1, “who recovered Damascus for Israel," see 2 Kings xiv. 28, it is probable that many of the richer Israelites might choose to dwell there. Parkhurst.

14. I will also visit the altars of Beth-el: &c.] I will reckon with Israel for his idolatries in Dan and Beth-el, and for those altars which he hath erected there, and will cause those miserected altars to be beaten down to the ground. Bp. Hall. See 1 Kings xii. 29, 32. The destruction of the altar at Beth-el is also foretold, chap. v. 5, and is perhaps referred to in Jer. xlviii. 13. Abp. Newcome.

15. And I will smite the winter house with the summer house] See the note on Jer. xxxvi. 22.

-the houses of ivory] The Romans anciently ornamented their houses with ivory: and the Eastern people might possibly do the same. Sir J. Chardin says, "the ceilings of the Eastern houses are of Mosaick work, and for the most part of ivory:" and Dr Russell notices, that ivory" is likewise employed at Aleppo in the decoration of the more expensive apartments." Harmer. Such houses were probably called " ivory houses," just

shan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, which oppress the poor, which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.

2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness, that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.

Before CHRIST 787.

cast away the

3 And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them | Or, ye shall into the palace, saith the Lord. things of the 4 Come to Beth-el, and trans- palace. gress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after +three + Heb. three

years of days.

years: 5 And offer a sacrifice of thanks- + Heb. eğer giving with leaven, and proclaim and by burning. publish the free offerings: for + this Heb. so ye as the emperour Nero's palace, mentioned by Suetonius, was named "golden," because it was "overlaid with gold."

Parkhurst.

love.

Chap. IV. ver. 1. Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, &c.] Hear this, O ye great and rich men of Samaria, that feed full and carelessly, like the kine in the fat pastures of Bashan: ye, who oppress the poor, and crush the needy; and say to your princes and judges, Set deep fines, and condemn freely, that we may feast upon the offences of the people. Bp. Hall.

The luxury and insolence of oppressors is often compared to the wantonness of full-fed cattle: see Ps. xxii. 12; lxviii. 30. Bashan was remarkable for the richness of its pastures, and its breed of cattle: Numb. xxxii. 4; Deut. xxxii. 14; Ezek. xxxix. 18. W. Lowth.

2.

he will take you away with hooks,] Invaders and spoilers are elsewhere compared to fishers: see Jer. xvi. 16; Hab. i. 15. W. Lowth.

3. And ye shall go out &c.] The Prophet tells the people, that they shall with all possible haste make their escape at the several breaches which shall be made in the walls of Samaria. Compare 2 Kings xxv. 4 ; Ezek. xii. 12. W. Lowth.

and ye shall cast them into the palace,] The sentence may be thus translated, "Ye shall cast out yourselves," that is, ye shall with haste betake yourselves "to Harmon ;" so the Latin Vulgate. W. Lowth.

4. Come to Beth-el, and transgress; &c.] Go ye up now, O ye foolish Israelites, to your Beth-el, if you please, and sin your fill: go up to Gilgal, and glut yourselves with the full scope of your iniquities; bring those your morning sacrifices, which are due unto God, bring and offer them to your idols; and that, which the law of God requires of you, for the maintenance of His Levites, (that is to say,) lay aside the tithes every third year for sacred use, do ye that to the priests of your idols: so also ver. 5. Bp. Hall.

A permission, spoken by way of sareasm and irony, sharply upbraiding them as incorrigible, and not to be reformed by all the reproofs and admonitions that had been given them: like that of Ezekiel, chap. xx. 39, "Go ye, serve every one his idols." W. Lowth.

5.- proclaim and publish the free offerings:] Or "free-will offerings," Lev. xxii. 18, 21. These offerings