Buying the Poor and the Needy Amos 8:6

Some of the people in Israel took advantage of others who were “poor” and in need among them. They so desired to abuse them that they wanted their ceremonies for the “new moons” and the “sabbaths” to be over quickly. They didn't want one day away from oppressing them. In chapter eight and verse six of his prophesy, Amos the “herdsman fig-picking” prophet shared how they “buy the poor” and “the needy” where we read:

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes;

yes, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

The verse begins, “That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes;” Amos began with the words, “That we may buy” which means “get, acquire, create, possess and obtain” “the poor” or “the lowly, weak, thin, needy and lean” “for silver” which refers to “money, price, shekels and talents”, “and the needy” or “the poor, abused, needing help, destitute and begging” “for a pair of shoes” or “sandals or slippers”. Those who took advantage of the “poor” and “needy” desired for the “new moon” and “sabbath” ceremonies to be over to purchase them with a small penance such as a little “silver” or “a pair of shoes”.

The verse goes on to say, “yes, and sell the refuse of the wheat?” Amos continued, “yes and sell” which means “indeed purchase and sell” “the refuse” or “the fallings, hanging parts, chaff, flap or flakes” “of the wheat” which refers to “the corn or grain”. In addition to the small price of “silver” and “a pair of shoes”, the oppressors of the “poor and needy” buy them with that “which contains no nutriment but the poor eat at a low price because they are unable to pay for flour”.

When we consider these words of Amos, we understand how oppressive these wicked people were. Not only did they not reach out to the “poor and needy” among them, but they “bought” them with small prices of “silver”, “a pair of shoes” and “chaff from wheat”. It was said of Jesus, “And the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37), and rather than taking advantage of them, He helped the “poor and needy”. Perhaps as we read Amos' words we have been challenged to examine the manner in which we deal with others. Let us never know and follow the way of these abusers and use the example of Jesus when we encounter people who have less than we do.

Next time the LORD declares though Amos, “Surely I will never forget any of their works”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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