Amos 6:1-14
Q.1. How had Israel and Judah derived false comfort from their covenantal relationship with God? What would God do to Israel for failing to live up to her calling? – (Am.6:1-7)
The capitals of Judah (Zion) and Israel (Samaria) were invited to consider the destruction of their neighbours. How could God’s people imagine that they would avoid God’s judgment? (Am.6:1-3). They lived luxuriously and used the sacrificial bowls and David’s instruments of worship for their debauchery (Am.6:4-6). Their failure to live up to their high calling would end in exile for Israel (Am.6:7).Â
Q.2. Why was the destruction of Israel unavoidable? How clearly would she understand who was responsible for the judgment? How far-reaching would the affliction be? – (Am.6:8-14)
Although Israel was called to repent, God in His foreknowledge knew that they would not. Therefore – The Lord God has sworn by Himself, the Lord God of hosts has declared: “I loathe the arrogance of Jacob and detest his citadels; Therefore I will deliver up the city and all it contains.” (Am.6:8). Since God had sworn a solemn oath, nothing could undo His plan (c.f. Heb.6:13-18). The careless invoking of God’s name would be replaced by a holy fear, lest God bring greater calamity (Am.6:9-11). God would raise up a mighty nation against Israel which would afflict and oppress them all the way from Hamath in the north, to the brook of Arabah in the south. No one, and nothing would be spared. (Am.6:14).