Amos 6 - Introduction

When the Lord makes a promise Amos Six

God compared Israel to her pagan neighbors. Here He judged Israel for her pride, indulgence and sinful luxury. These were lazy and indifferent people that had forgotten the true God. These were at ease in Zion because they had hidden their sins from their own eyes. Israel's sinful ease came because she trusted in Mount Samaria. She also put off the idea of a day of gloom thinking that judgment would not come upon them. The self-indulgent, violent nature of these people was a disappointment to the Almighty. They did not live for God; instead they lived for their own drunken ignorance.

Many today live with the same self-indulgence. They do not live for Christ nor do they care for His church. Their focus is on self alone. Israel was no better than the sinful kingdoms that surrounded her. God had already brought His judgment upon them and d Israel would be next. When we are prospered by God we should use what He puts into our hands in a way that glorifies Him. Sadly, during times of economic prosperity and success many become self-indulgent. The self-indulgent leaders of Israel would be the first to go into captivity.

God hated the pride and sinful conduct of Israel. Now He will send a strong army to bring them low. There are some things from which you can never expect a good result, like a horse running on the rocks or oxen plowing on the rocks. Neither can you expect good to result from rebellion against God. Israel's rebellion had now brought her to the point where God's judgment was coming through a conquering nation. No sinner has any right to think that he shall escape God's judgment.