The Judge Cut Off from Moab Amos 2:3

Amos the prophet continued to share how the LORD would bring judgment upon the enemies of Israel and Judah. Among those peoples were the land of “Moab” which is modern day central western Jordan. In chapter two and verse three of his prophesy, Amos shared how God would “cut off the judge from the midst” of Moab where we read:

And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof,

and will slay all the princes thereof with him, says the LORD.

The verse begins, “And I will cut off the judge from the midst thereof,...” Amos began, “And I will cut off” or “cut down, destroy and hew” “the judge” which refers to “the law-giver or governor who decides controversy” “from the midst thereof” or “among, in the middle or inward part of Moab”. The LORD's judgment would “destroy” the “governing ruler” who resided in Moab.

The verse goes on to say, “...and will slay all the princes thereof with him, says the LORD.” Amos continued, “and will slay” or “kill, murder, destroy and ruin” “all” which means “each, every, the total of and completely” “the princes thereof” or “the rulers, leaders, chiefs, officials, vassals, nobles, captains and commanders” “with him” which refers to “the judge”, “says” or “utters, declares and proclaims” “the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the one true God”. In addition to the “judge” being destroyed, all of the other “rulers and leaders” would be demolished as well.

When we consider these words of Amos, we see the effects of the LORD's judgment upon those who oppose His people. Not only would their facilities be destroyed, but also their political and governmental rule. We should understand “power” comes from God Almighty, and He chooses who will stand and who will fall – who will be elected and who will not. Jesus Christ, God's Son, was His choice for Savior and LORD over all mankind, and those who give allegiance and trust in Him are elevated to a position of blessing rather than curse. May we keep in mind the LORD's great power and ability to remove and replace, and should we be against Him and His people, let us repent before we too are replaced.

Next time we see how God will judge “Judah”, 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.