Among other
flaws that were present among the rebellious people of Israel was how
they “chanted to the sound of the viol” or “flutes”
and “invented to themselves instruments of music”. Amos
relayed the LORD's concern over these religious acts, and in chapter
six and verse six of his prophesy, adds “drinking wine in bowls”
and “anointing themselves with the chief ointments” to his
list. We read:
That drink
wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments:
but they
are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
The
verse begins, “That drink wine in bowls, and anoint
themselves with the chief ointments:” Amos
began with the words, “That drink wine”
or “imbibe bubbling up, effervescent and fermented fruit juices”
“in bowls” which
refers to “basins or vessels for throwing or tossing liquids”,
“and anoint themselves”
which means “smear, spread and consecrate upon themselves” “with
the chief” or “first,
beginning, best and choice” “ointments”
which means “fats, oils, medicament or unguents”. Not only did
the people of Israel “chant to the sound of the viol”
and “make instruments of music”,
they also drank “wine”
in large basins and covered themselves with the best “oils and
medicines”.
The verse goes
on to say, “but they are not grieved for the affliction of
Joseph.” Amos continued with
the word, “but” which
is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be
written takes precedence over what was just stated, “moreover,
nevertheless or nonetheless” “they are not grieved”
which means “become weak, sick, diseased or sorry” “for
the affliction” or “because
of the breaking, fracture, crushing , breach, crash, ruin and
shattering” “of Joseph” whose
name means “Jehovah has added” and refers to “the time when
Joseph's brother were “eating bread” while their brother lay in
the pit, and then sold him to the Ishmaelites”. While the people of
Israel were drinking their wives and anointing themselves with fine
“oils”, they had
no compassion upon and ignored those among them who were “afflicted”
and “stricken”.
When
we think through these words of Amos, we see how people can be so
involved in their luxurious living, they are oblivious to the
“afflictions” others suffer around them. Israel was so
engaged in satisfying their own fleshly lusts, they forsook the
greater responsibility of helping their fellowman. Jesus Christ
emptied Himself of all His royal position to identify with our
“afflictions”, and He paid the ultimate price as He died
upon the cross for our sins. Lest we be as these unmindful people of
Israel, let us remember others in the same manner Jesus remembered
us.
Next
time we
see Amos writes about those who “go
captive with the first captives”,
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment