Amos 2:4

This is what the LORD says: "For three transgressions of Judah, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they reject the Law of the LORD and fail to keep His statutes; they are led astray by the lies in which their fathers walked.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD says
This phrase introduces a divine oracle, emphasizing the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew term for "LORD" is "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, highlighting His covenant relationship with Israel. This introduction sets the tone for a message that is not merely a human opinion but a divine decree.

For three transgressions of Judah, even four
This expression is a Hebrew idiom used throughout the book of Amos, indicating a fullness or completeness of sin. The number "three" suggests a pattern of repeated offenses, while "four" implies an overflow, signifying that Judah's sins have reached a tipping point. This structure underscores the seriousness of their actions and God's patience before judgment.

I will not revoke My judgment
The phrase indicates God's firm decision to execute justice. The Hebrew root for "revoke" suggests a sense of turning back or relenting. Here, it emphasizes God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice, despite His long-suffering nature. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience.

because they have rejected the law of the LORD
"Rejected" comes from a Hebrew root meaning to despise or refuse. This highlights a deliberate and conscious decision to turn away from God's instructions. The "law of the LORD" refers to the Torah, the divine teachings given to guide Israel in righteousness. Judah's rejection signifies a breach of their covenant relationship with God.

and have not kept His statutes
The phrase "have not kept" implies a failure to guard or observe. "Statutes" are specific decrees or commands given by God. This failure indicates a neglect of their covenantal responsibilities and a disregard for the divine order established for their well-being and identity as God's people.

but they have been led astray by the lies their ancestors followed
"Led astray" suggests a deviation from the right path, often due to deception. The "lies" refer to false beliefs or idolatrous practices that have been perpetuated through generations. This highlights the influence of cultural and familial traditions in shaping spiritual direction, warning against the dangers of uncritically following inherited falsehoods.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from Tekoa, called by God to deliver messages of judgment to Israel and surrounding nations, including Judah.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with Jerusalem as its capital.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is delivering a message of judgment through Amos.

4. The Law of the LORD
Refers to the Torah, the divine instructions given to Israel, which Judah has rejected.

5. The Fathers
The ancestors of the people of Judah, who also strayed from God's commandments.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Rejecting God's Law
Judah's rejection of God's law is not a trivial matter; it leads to divine judgment. Believers today must take God's Word seriously and strive to live by it.

The Consequences of Following Lies
The lies that led Judah astray are akin to false teachings or ideologies today. Christians must discern truth from falsehood by grounding themselves in Scripture.

Generational Patterns of Sin
The sins of the fathers influenced Judah's behavior. Believers should be aware of generational patterns and seek to break cycles of sin through repentance and obedience.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's statutes is a recurring theme in Scripture. It is not enough to know God's law; we must also keep it.

God's Patience and Judgment
The phrase "for three transgressions, even for four" indicates God's patience but also His eventual judgment. Christians should not presume upon God's patience but seek to live righteously.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some modern-day "lies" that can lead believers astray, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does the rejection of God's law in Amos 2:4 compare to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28?

3. In what ways can we identify and break generational patterns of sin in our own lives?

4. How does the message of Amos 2:4 challenge us to evaluate our own obedience to God's Word?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's patience. How does this passage encourage you to respond to His patience with obedience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 28
This chapter outlines the blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to God's law, which Judah has rejected.

2 Kings 17
Describes the fall of Israel due to their rejection of God's statutes, serving as a warning to Judah.

Jeremiah 7
Highlights the persistent disobedience of Judah and their reliance on deceptive practices, similar to the lies mentioned in Amos 2:4.

Psalm 119
Celebrates the law of the LORD, contrasting the rejection seen in Judah with the psalmist's love for God's statutes.

Hosea 4:6
Speaks of the destruction that comes from a lack of knowledge of God’s law, paralleling Judah's situation in Amos 2:4.