9 "Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before e them, Though his height was like the height of cedars And he was strong as the oaks ; I even destroyed his fruit above e and his root below e . 10 "It was I who brought you up from the land of Egypt , And I led you in the wilderness forty years That you might take possession of the land of the Amorite . 11 "Then I raised up some of your sons to be prophets And some of your young men to be Nazirites . Is this not so , O sons of Israel ?" declares the Lord . 12 "But you made the Nazirites drink wine , And you commanded the prophets saying , 'You shall not prophesy !' 13 "Behold , I am weighted down beneath you As a wagon is weighted down when filled with sheaves . 14 " Flight will perish from the swift , And the stalwart will not strengthen his power , Nor the mighty man save his life . 15 "He who grasps the bow will not stand his ground, The swift of foot will not escape , Nor will he who rides the horse save his life . 16 "Even the bravest e among the warriors will flee naked in that day ," declares the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 2:9-16
Commentary on Amos 2:9-16
(Read Amos 2:9-16)
We need often to be reminded of the mercies we have received; which add much to the evil of the sins we have committed. They had helps for their souls, which taught them how to make good use of their earthly enjoyments, and were therefore more valuable. Faithful ministers are great blessings to any people; but it is God that raises them up to be so. Sinners' own consciences will witness that he has not been wanting to them in the means of grace. They did what they could to lead believers aside. Satan and his agents are busy to corrupt the minds of young people who look heavenward; they overcome many by drawing them to the love of mirth and pleasure, and into drinking company. Multitudes of young men who bade fair as professors of religion, have erred through strong drink, and have been undone for ever. The Lord complains of sin, especially the sins of his professing people, as a burden to him. And though his long-suffering be tired, his power is not, and so the sinner will find to his cost. When men reject God's word, adding obstinacy to sin, and this becomes the general character of a people, they will be given up to misery, notwithstanding all their boasted power and resources. May we then humble ourselves before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness.