Amos 8:4-7
Chapter 8
4
Listen to this, you who trample on the needy and push aside the weak of the land.
5
You say, “When will the new moon or the Sabbath feast be over so we can open the store and sell our grain? Let us lower the measure and raise the price; let us cheat and tamper with the scales,
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and even sell the refuse along with the grain. We will buy the poor with money and the needy for a pair of sandals.”
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The Lord, the pride of Jacob, has sworn by himself, “I shall never forget their deeds.”
Commentaries
Visions.
The final part of this book includes five visions and oracles, mixed with the encounter between Amos and Amaziah, the high priest of the Temple of Bethel. The main message of the first four visions is clear: Amos does not enjoy predicting misfortune, nor does the Lord take pleasure in destroying his people; however, Israel’s stubbornness in resisting repentance leaves no room for the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness.
Fourth Vision.
Like figs, the people are ready for harvest and punishment. The scene is terrifying: not even the lamentations of the singers in the royal palace will be permitted (cf. Jr 9:16-20). The height of Israel’s sin is the greed of merchants eager to sell their wares, deceiving the poor to the point of selling them as slaves for a pair of sandals (6).