Amos the prophet was
commissioned by God to pronounce “punishment” upon the
enemies of Israel and Judah, but he also included “Israel and
Judah” in his judicial prophesy. In sharing judgment upon “Israel”,
the LORD enumerated several ways in which He provided for them, and
yet, they rebelled against Him. In chapter two and verse twelve of
his prophesy, Amos continued his indictment against “Israel”
as he shared concerning their corruption of their “Nazarites”
and “prophets” where we read:
But you gave the
Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy
not.
The
verse begins, “But you gave the Nazarites wine to drink;”
Amos began with the word, “But”
which is a disassociation
conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence
over that which was just stated” “nevertheless, nonetheless and
moreover” “you gave the Nazarite”
which means “the consecrated or devoted one like an unpruned vine”
“wine” which
refers to “the intoxicating and fermented fruit of the vine” “to
drink” or “to imbibe”.
Nazarites were to “abstain from wine, wine vinegar, grapes,
raisins, intoxicating liquors, vinegar made from such substances, and
eating or drinking any substance that contains any trace of grapes,
and yet the Israelites were providing “wine” to them.
The
verse goes on to say, “and commanded the prophets,
saying, Prophesy not.” Amos
continued, “and commanded”
which means “charged, gave orders, laid charge, gave charge
to and ordered” “the
prophets” who were “the
spokesman, speakers and generally inspired men”, “saying”
which means “declares, utters and proclaims” “Prophesy
not” or “do not speak
inspired words”. Not only did the Israelites corrupt the
“Nazarites” among
them, but they convinced the “inspired men” among them not to
share spiritual insights.
When we
meditate upon these words of Amos, we notice the degradation that
came upon the people of Israel. Not only did they corrupt themselves,
but proceeded to debase the “spiritual men” among them. Those who
were “Nazarites” or “prophets” were considered
to be very devote, and Israel had no regard for their “spiritual”
emphasis. Jesus Christ was sent into the world so people would align
themselves with the Almighty God, and those who rely upon, trust in
and cling to Him shall be saved. Those who do not, should count
themselves among the people who wickedly persuaded the “Nazarites”
and the “prophets” of Israel.
Next
time we see
how the LORD was “pressed
under”
Israel,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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