Violation of the Law

At last, the indictment of Israel’s sins begins. In today’s passage, three sins that Israel is committing are condemned. (1) First is the sin of abusing the weak (the poor). It says, “Because they sell the righteous for money, and the needy for a pair of sandals.” This depicts judges declaring an innocent person guilty in order to receive a small bribe from the wealthy. At that time, the northern kingdom of Israel was materially prosperous, but within the nation there was a great disparity between the rich and the poor. Those with power trampled the weak, and social justice had fallen to the ground. This was a violation of Deuteronomy 16:19. “You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous.” (2) Next, the sin of cultic sexual immorality is condemned. It says, “A man and his father resort to the same girl so as to profane My holy name.” This condemns sexual relations with temple prostitutes associated with Baal worship. The people were consorting with temple prostitutes and were “deliberately” profaning the Lord’s holy name. The Bible strictly forbids a father and son having sexual relations with the same woman (ref. Levi. 18:7, 15; 20:11, etc.).

Debauched drinking feasts

(3) Third, their debauched drinking feasts are condemned. This too was not an ordinary banquet, but a feast connected with fertility rites (Baal worship). The people of Israel were ignoring their covenant with the Lord and rushing into idolatry. According to the Law, “a garment seized as a pledge” must be returned by sunset, but they spread such garments out and recline on them while drinking wine. This too was a violation of the Law (Ex. 22:26; Deut. 24:12-13). Furthermore, the wine they were drinking was bought with money obtained under the unjust pretext of “fines.” Even while committing such unrestrained sins, the people of Israel remained without receiving judgment. To them, Amos prophesies the Lord’s judgment. We Christians must not be swept away by the trends of the times. Even if the people of this world carry on in debauchery as though it were only natural, we need to be alert and walk in pursuit of God’s will. “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer” (1 Peter 4:7).