_The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa._ AMOS Though a native of the kingdom of Judah, Amos was sent with a message to the ten tribes. The unity of the two kingdoms was not the less real that their histories were divergent. In its origin, idea, and ultimate aim, the theocracy was on... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord will roar from Zion._ THE STERN VOICE OF GOD The prophet not only shows here, that God was the Author of his doctrine, but at the same time he distinguishes between the true God, and the idols, which the first Jeroboam made, when by this artifice he intended to withdraw the ten tribes fro... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will not turn away the punishment thereof._ THE PURPOSE OF DIVINE THREATENINGS The order of God’s threatenings seems to have been addressed to gain the hearing of the people. The punishment is first denounced upon their enemies, and that, for their sins, directly or indirectly against themselves... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus, which shall devour the palaces thereof._ THE DIVINE JUDGMENT ON TYRE To follow out the accomplishment of the prophecies respecting Tyre, under the conduct of so good a guide as Bishop Newton, is a most interesting occupation. He gives the following quotatio... [ Continue Reading ]
_For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof._ EDOM 1. A threatening. Here a certain number is put for an uncertain. It may be treated jointly. Three and foyer make seven. Thus may be indicated the multitude and magnitude of the wickedness, and the g... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will not turn away the punishment thereof._ GOD’S DEALING WITH NATIONS I. The opportunity for repentance which all possess. The punishment of the six heathen nations, as of Judah and Israel, opens with a picture of the forbearance of God which had preceded this hour of wrath. “For three transgr... [ Continue Reading ]