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Bible Study June 3

Amos 6:8-10 ESV

Israel that once was God’s joy has now become a thorn in His side. That is not because God changed scripture tells us in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not.”

Israel changed. They have grown proud and they gratify themselves in pride and pleasure.

Israel that once was the joy of God is now the sorrow of God.

In Amos 6:8-10 the prophet tells us, “The Lord God has sworn by himself, declares the Lord, the God of hosts: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and hate his strongholds, and I will deliver up the city and all that is in it.” And if ten men remain in one house, they shall die.And when one's relative, the one who anoints him for burial, shall take him up to bring the bones out of the house, and shall say to him who is in the innermost parts of the house, “Is there still anyone with you?” he shall say, “No”; and he shall say, “Silence! We must not mention the name of the Lord.”

Amos sees how easily Israel has become proud. Literally woe “to you who are at ease.” They are actually proud of their sloth (ease). In the original language of Hebrew God sees their ‘ease’ in Hebrew it is הַשַּׁאֲנַנִּ֑ים pronounced haš·ša·’ă·nan·nîm. The word in Hebrew even sounds harsh. The ‘has’ sound is made by the sound Kkhans almost like it is a growl. Hebrew words are not like gentle English words. They are filled with deep emotion and in this case fury. The beginning of the Hebrew word almost sounds like an angry lion ready to pounce on a fierce tiger.

God is angry that Israel that was once called His beloved Jacob is now so easy and they are comfortable with their pride they have set up strongholds around their hearts.

They have arrived and they do not need God anymore. So who holds the city?

God is not saying IF someone comes to take possession of the Israel’s dwelling place He will deliver their city to anyone who will come to destroy it and remove their pride.

God is opening the door to allow all in Israel who are not listening to God to be destroyed.

And when the destroyer of the prosperous proud enters a house if ten men are in that one house every man will die.

And when the relatives come to bury their dead all in the house will be told not to even speak the holy name of the Lord

They have been brought so low by their pride and their deeds that are a result of their pride they are told by the one who comes to bury their dead they are not allowed to even speak God’s name.

Those who remain have been reminded the name of the Lord IS Holy.

We are reminded of Moses on the mountain who covered his face. We know from  Exodus 34:29-35, that when Moses came down the Mountain Sinai his face was glowing.

He saw God and was forever changed. Yet, what has become of Israel now? Is anyone listening?

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com