The Sins of Israel

Click here to read Amos 4.

Chapter 4 elaborates on some of the sins of Israel:

1. Their elaborate offerings were no substitute for moral decencies.
2. Their rituals were no substitute for righteousness.
3. Their right relationship to the Temple was no substitute for a right relationship with God.
4. Their Temple behavior was no substitute for their concern for their fellow man.

"Hear this word ye kine (cows) of Bashan." The Prophet is comparing the people of Israel to the wild cows that roamed the hills of Samaria. They were almost impossible to confine and had a mind of their own. These people had a form of religion but it was void of obedience to God or love for their fellow man.

But again the Lord offers them another chance. "Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (acknowledge God's mercies) proclaim and publish your free offerings (give voluntarily and proclaim God's word)" "Perhaps then God will forgive and call off His judgment."

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