Rebukers Hated and Upright Speakers Abhorred Amos 5:10

Amos the prophet shared the LORD's exhortation for Israel to “Seek Him” who is the creator of the stars, the morning, the night and the waters of the sea. He “strengthens the spoiled against the strong” which allows them to “come against the fortresses” which the people of Israel depended upon for protection. In chapter five and verse ten of his prophesy, Amos referred to the way the people of Israel “hate him that rebukes in the gate” and “abhor” those who “speak uprightly” where we read:

They hate him that rebukes in the gate, and they abhor him that speaks uprightly.

The verse begins, “They hate him that rebukes in the gate,...” Amos began with the words, “They hate” which means “utterly odious and as an enemy or foe” “him that rebukes” or “proves, decides, judges, reproves, corrects and make right” “in the gate” which refers to “the market place and public meeting place”. Rather than listen to and obey the “rulers” within the “gate” or “seat of judgment” in the city, they “hated” them.

The verse continues, “...and they abhor him that speaks uprightly.” Amos added, “and they abhor” which means “make abominable, detested and ethical” “him that speaks” or “the one who declares, converses, commands, promises, warns, threatens and talks” “uprightly” which means “complete, whole, entire, unimpaired, innocent and with integrity”. In addition to “hating” the rulers “in the gate”, the people of Israel thought those who “spoke unimpaired and with integrity” were “detestable and abominable”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we understand how the people of Israel “despised” authority in their lives. Rather than “seek” the LORD and His righteousness, they “hated” and “abhorred” them. The ultimate rebellion would be to reject God's offering of Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD, and those who choose this way “hate” and “abhor” the creator of the universe. May all who read these words and find themselves rebelling against “righteous” authority take heed.

Next time Amos tells Israel how God “strengthens the spoiled against the strong”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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