Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Amos Ch.1 / 9 Ch.s
AM:1
** Amos was a herdsman, and engaged in agriculture. But the same
Divine Spirit influenced Isaiah and Daniel in the court, and
Amos in the sheep-folds, giving to each the powers and eloquence
needful for them. He assures the twelve tribes of the
destruction of the neighbouring nations; and as they at that
time gave themselves up to wickedness and idolatry, he reproves
the Jewish nation with severity; but describes the restoration
of the church by the Messiah, extending to the latter days.
* Judgments against the Syrians, Philistines, Tyrians, Edomites,
and Ammonites.
- GOD employed a shepherd, a herdsman, to reprove and warn the
people. Those to whom God gives abilities for his services,
ought not to be despised for their origin, or their employment.
Judgments are denounced against the neighbouring nations, the
oppressors of God's people. The number of transgressions does
not here mean that exact number, but many: they had filled the
measure of their sins, and were ripe for vengeance. The method
in dealing with these nations is, in part, the same, yet in each
there is something peculiar. In all ages this bitterness has
been shown against the Lord's people. When the Lord reckons with
his enemies, how tremendous are his judgments!