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T may seem strange to some readers to find danger and comfort in the
same container. Here it is though, "Woe to them that are at ease..."
(vs. 1). The Jews in Amos' audience were taking it easy, yet their prosecution
was complete. Their execution was pending. The Jews were living in the lap of
luxury and sensual pleasure. Their days were filled with violence, sexual
promiscuity, gluttony, party music, alcohol and sweet perfumes (vs. 3-6). They
were ancient party animals, living wildly; plying their vices in a house
surrounded by cops (vs. 7). They acted as if there was no warrant out for their
arrest. They pretended that they owed no debts. But God had His eye on them,
and He definitely was not pleased (vs. 8). Israel was in trouble. In fact, they
were about a half century away from obliteration (vs. 14). They had all the
self-confidence in the world and were getting many thrills investing their time
in nothing (vs. 13), but their doom was sealed.
In vs. 10 it seems that we have the quintessential response to
judgment-in-the-middle-of-comfort. They tried a shallow show of contrition and
piety aimed only at self-preservation. Oh, how low unregenerate men will
willingly bow at the Great White Throne Judgment, but the people who bow there
will reap no benefits from their prostrate position.
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