Amos: Seek The Lord and LivePrøve

Amos attacks two deceptive sources of security in the remainder of the chapter: wealth (vv. 9–12), which we will look at today, and worship (vv. 13–15). Clearly the people were impressed with fortresses (vv. 9–11). The scholars tell us that these were fortified luxury houses. We might compare them to modern big houses hidden behind security gates. Strangely it is the fortresses of Ashdod and Egypt that are summoned as witnesses (v. 9). These pagan nations are to observe Israel’s unrest, oppression and, in a shocking phrase, that: ‘They do not know how to do right’ (v. 10). Israel has lost all sense of moral bearing. Nor do the Israelites worry about the future, because the affluent have their fortresses. But Amos tells them they may store up wealth in their fortresses; but they’ll be plundered and looted (v. 10). Not a lot will be left of Israel. The picture in verse 12 comes from Exodus 22. If you were a shepherd and a wild animal ate one of your master’s sheep, then you had to take back a piece of bone to prove that you hadn’t stolen the animal. God says that a few Israelites will be saved when the land is invaded, but not a lot. All that will be left of the fortresses is a bedstead or a piece of fabric from a sofa. So for us, do we perhaps think that our future is secure because we own a house? Or because we have some money in the bank? Or because the bank of mum and dad will bail us out? Do you think these things make you safe? The Lord says that He can take away them all. Reflection What makes you feel safe? Do you feel safer when you look to the Lord or when you look at your bank balance or possessions?