Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Amos
Book: Amos
Chapter: 4
Overview:
Israel is reproved.
(1-5) Their impenitence shown.
(6-13)
1-5 What is got
By extortion is commonly used to provide for
the
Flesh, and to fulfil the lusts thereof. What is got
By
oppression cannot be enjoyed with satisfaction. How miserable
are those whose confidence in unscriptural observances only
prove that they believe a
Lie! Let us see to it that our
Faith,
Hope, and
Worship, are warranted
By the Divine
Word.
6-13 See the folly of
Carnal hearts; they wander from one
Creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and
labour for that which satisfies not; yet, after all, they will
not incline their
Ear to Him in whom they might find all they
can want. Preaching the
Gospel is as
Rain, and every thing
withers where this
Rain is wanting. It were
Well if people were
as
Wise for their souls as they are for their bodies; and, when
they have not this
Rain near, would go and seek it where it is
to be had. As the Israelites persisted in rebellion and
Idolatry, the
Lord was coming against them as an
Adversary. Ere
long, we must meet our
God in
Judgment; but we shall not be able
to stand before him, if he tries us according to our doings. If
we would prepare to meet our
God with comfort, at the awful
period of his coming, we must now meet him in
Christ Jesus, the
eternal Son of the
Father, who came to save lost sinners. We
must seek him while he is to be found.