April 22, 2026
April 22
Justice Is Coming
[ READ ] Amos 1–3
Judgment on Israel
6 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Israel,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals—
7 those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth
and turn aside the way of the afflicted;
a man and his father go in to the same girl,
so that my holy name is profaned;
8 they lay themselves down beside every altar
on garments taken in pledge,
and in the house of their God they drink
the wine of those who have been fined.
Amos 2:6-8
6 Thus says the Lord:
“For three transgressions of Israel,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals—
7 those who trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth
and turn aside the way of the afflicted;
a man and his father go in to the same girl,
so that my holy name is profaned;
8 they lay themselves down beside every altar
on garments taken in pledge,
and in the house of their God they drink
the wine of those who have been fined.
Amos 2:6-8
Amos, the shepherd-turned-prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah is as about direct as one can be when he speaks Yahweh’s indictments against the nations surrounding Israel. If you were familiar with the geography of the Middle East circa 850BCE (are they still teaching that in our schools?), you notice a pattern as he rattles these off. In chapter 1 and the beginning of chapter 2 Amos slowly spirals in, pronouncing the transgressions of Israel’s neighbors. But then, in Amos 2:6-16 (and the rest of the text, really) he centers in on Israel… God’s chosen people. His words are not soft or vague – they are direct and intense. His first accusation?
“They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals…”
Can righteousness be bought? Are the needy as worthless as a pair of shoes? “Of course not…” you’re probably thinking. So to are Amos’ listeners likely aghast at this claim. What is the standard Yahweh is holding them to? Is it unreasonable?
God is omniscient and sees the plight of the poor as well as he sees the leisure of the wealthy. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus will pronounce blessing to the poor and woe to the rich. Israel would eventually be exiled for their transgressions against God’s covenant, and even though He restores them to their land, only a few centuries later do they crucify the Christ who was likewise poor. We are called to love our neighbors – consider your neighbors today. Are they poor and needy? If so, can you offer them hope? Can you meet a basic need? If not, perhaps pray and ask the Lord to open your eyes to the needs of your neighbors.
“They sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals…”
Can righteousness be bought? Are the needy as worthless as a pair of shoes? “Of course not…” you’re probably thinking. So to are Amos’ listeners likely aghast at this claim. What is the standard Yahweh is holding them to? Is it unreasonable?
God is omniscient and sees the plight of the poor as well as he sees the leisure of the wealthy. In Luke’s gospel, Jesus will pronounce blessing to the poor and woe to the rich. Israel would eventually be exiled for their transgressions against God’s covenant, and even though He restores them to their land, only a few centuries later do they crucify the Christ who was likewise poor. We are called to love our neighbors – consider your neighbors today. Are they poor and needy? If so, can you offer them hope? Can you meet a basic need? If not, perhaps pray and ask the Lord to open your eyes to the needs of your neighbors.
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ What are the charges against Israel? Does the covenant law that condemns Israel apply to you today?
+ What does it mean to “trample the poor and turn aside the way of the afflicted” (v7)?
+ What are the charges against Israel? Does the covenant law that condemns Israel apply to you today?
+ What does it mean to “trample the poor and turn aside the way of the afflicted” (v7)?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How can love my neighbors better today? Is there a need I can meet?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How can love my neighbors better today? Is there a need I can meet?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life:
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Is there someone who comes to mind when I consider the poor and the destitute?
+ Who needs to hear the message that Jesus came to “bring good news to the poor”?
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ Is there someone who comes to mind when I consider the poor and the destitute?
+ Who needs to hear the message that Jesus came to “bring good news to the poor”?
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