The Sins of Israel Amos 2:7

As Amos the prophet continued to share with the people of “Israel” concerning the judgment that was to come upon them, he shared how “they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes”. In chapter two and verse seven of his prophesy, Amos declared more of the “transgressions of Israel” where we read:

That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:

The verse begins, “That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek:” Amos began with the words, “That pant” or “to gasp, long for and breathe heavily ” “after the dust” which refers to “dry earth, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar and rubbish” “of the earth” or “the land, territory, district or region” “on the head” which means “top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front and beginning ” “of the poor” or “low, weak, thin and one who is low”, “and turn aside” which means “to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, pervert, incline, bend and bow” “the way” or “road, distance, journey, manner and direction” “of the meek” which means “poor, humble, afflicted and needy”. The people within “Israel” were so wicked they desired for the “poor” among them to have it worse, and they went out of the way to abuse those who were humble and afflicted.

The verse continues, “and a man and his father will go in unto the same maid, to profane my holy name:” Amos added, “and a man” or “male person” “and his father” which refers to “head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan” “will go in unto the same maid” which means “go into or have sexual relations with a young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine or prostitute”, “to profane” or “to defile, pollute or desecrate” “my holy name” which means “God's set-apart, sacred and separate reputation, fame and glory”. The people of “Israel” were so perverted that a “man and his father” would have “sexual relationships” with the same woman which caused the name of the Lord to be “desecrated and polluted”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we begin to see the evil that was within “Israel”. This evil brought about God's judgment upon them, and even though they were His people, His punishment could not be avoided. Devaluing “the poor” and “the meek” as well as “young women” was the norm, and “the LORD” saw this behavior as directly against His commands. Not only did they reject Him and His ways, they also desecrated His name by conducting themselves in manner. God desires for us to have a relationship with Jesus Christ His Son, and those who are wise will align with His way. Those who do not will know the consequences for “profaning His Holy Name”.

Next time we see more of the transgressions of “Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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