9 And I—I have destroyed the Amorite from before them, Whose height 'is' as the height of cedars, And strong he 'is' as the oaks, And I destroy his fruit from above, And his roots from beneath. 10 And I—I have brought you up from the land of Egypt, And cause you to go in a wilderness forty years, To possess the land of the Amorite. 11 And I raise of your sons for prophets, And of your choice ones for Nazarites, Is not this true, O sons of Israel? An affirmation of Jehovah. 12 And ye cause the Nazarites to drink wine, And on the prophets ye have laid a charge, Saying, 'Do not prophecy!' 13 Lo, I am pressing you under, As the full cart doth press for itself a sheaf. 14 And perished hath refuge from the swift, And the strong strengtheneth not his power, And the mighty delivereth not his soul. 15 And the handler of the bow standeth not, And the swift with his feet delivereth not 'himself', And the rider of the horse delivereth not his soul. 16 And the courageous of heart among the mighty, Naked doth flee in that day, An affirmation of Jehovah!
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.