The Pulpit Commentary — Amos — Section 129

OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IS POISONED. The great men of Israel had come to confide in their own strength, in their military power, and, like so many in high estate, thought that physical force was sufficient to secure a nation's greatness. The prophet justly charac- terizes such a doctrine as " a thing of nought," a nonentity, an absurdity I As well may horses climb the scaur, as well may oxen plough the bare, hard rock, as a nation prosper which has renounced the Law of God, and is attempting to base its success- upon physical force, military prestige, ostentatious luxury, judicial corruption. We in our own days need not look far for an exemplification of the folly of such confidence. " Be wise now therefore, 0 ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth,"-T. Ver. 14.-The hand of God seen in national retribution. Coming when it did, this. prophecy was an unmistakable proof of Divine foresight. Samaria was rejoicina and boasting because of a temporary victory obtained by her arms. The kinadom of Israel bad taken horns, and by its own strength had pushed back the foe fro~ the borders. Tbis was the moment appointed for .Amos to utter the faithful warning contained in this verse. Subsequent events proved the predictive authority from which this language- proceeded. The advance of Assyria soon reminded the unbelieving and impenitent of the warning to which they had been indifferent. But we are chiefly concerned to trace the truths and to draw the lessons regarding Divine government upon earth, which this- prediction so strikingly unfolds. L THE FACT TJUT A NATION IS CHOSEN BY Goo FOB A SPECIAL PURPOSE DOEB NOT EXEMPT TB.AT NATION FBO:M THE OPERATION OF THE LAWS OF THE DIVINE GOVEBN- ME:!.'T. It is sometimes represented that the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were treated by the Ruler of all with an especial favouritism. But such a view cannot be justified from the sacred records. Undoubtedly, this nation was selected for high purposes, and appointed to occupy a position of enlightenment and eminence; but this was in order that the Jews might fnlfil the purposes of God's wisdom, might in the- fulness of the time produce the Messiah, and might become a blessing to all the nations of the earth. But never was a nation subjected to more stringent discipline than the Hebrew theocracy endured. No transgression was unnoticed or unchastised. Such afflictions have indeed seldom been endured as Israel has known, both in ancient and in modem times. lL GoD, WHO 1B NOT CONFTh"ED TO ANY SPECIAL AGENCIES, HAS OFTEN EMPLOYED ONE NATION AS THE SCOURGE BY WHICH ANOTHER NATION HAS BEEN CHASTISED. It may be asked why .Assyria, an idolatrous nation, should be employed to punish the trans-- gressions of Israel To such a question we can give no answer; but we may point out that the moral qualities of the chastising instrument have no bearing upon the purposes of pnnish.ment. God raiseth up one and setteth down another. History is full_of examples of this principle. Amidst very much that is mysterious, there is not a little that is plain. Only in the most general way is it permitted us to interpret the methods of the Divine government. But the authoritative language of this and other passages of Scripture assure us that he who doeth according to his will among the inhabitants of the earth is impressing his own great lessons and fulfilling his own great designs by the changes which occur among the nations. Even wars, conquests, and captivities are the means by which God's Law is vindicated and God's kingdom is advanced. fil NATIONAL TRIBULATION :MAY BE THE :MEANS OF NATIONAL PURIFICATION AND PBOGBESS. Punishment is not an end in itself; however deserved and just, it is inflicted with a view to the good of the community or individual punished, or the good of human society at large. We can to some extent trace, in the subsequent history of the Hebrew people, the beneficial results of the conquest and captivity here foretold. Idolatry, at all events, came to an end; more spiritual views of religion became general P the nation, or that portion of it which returned to the land of promise, was prepared for giving birth to the Messiah, 11nd for furnishing the elements which were to constitute the primitive Church. Thus God brought the light of morning out of the darness, and a spiritual spring from the long winter of affliction.-T. Vers. 1-6.- Woeful eaae. " Woe to them that are at ease In Zion, and trust in the mount~in of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house or lsrael came 1"etc. "This chaptu embraces the character and punishment of the whole- CB, VI, 1-14.] THE BOOK OF AMOS. 129