Amos 2:6
Thus says the LORD: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "for a pair of sandals" isn't just about a small bribe; it highlights the utter disregard for justice, where a person's entire well-being, even their freedom, could be traded for something as trivial as footwear. This reveals a society so steeped in corruption that human dignity was literally sold for next to nothing.
Amos, now focusing on the northern kingdom of Israel, declares that God's patience has run out due to their deep corruption. He begins by detailing their specific sins, starting with the perversion of justice where the righteous and the poor were essentially bought and sold for insignificant sums, illustrating a total disregard for righteousness and mercy in their dealings. This sets the stage for further accusations of immorality and oppression that God will no longer tolerate.
Why does the prophet mention 'three transgressions and for four'? It’s more than just a number – it speaks to the depth of Israel’s sin and God’s patience.
Beyond a Simple Count
The phrase "for three transgressions, and for four" isn't a literal count. It’s a Hebrew idiom signifying completeness or a great abundance of sin. God isn't just tallying up offenses; He's declaring that Israel’s wickedness has reached its full, unbearable measure. It implies that God has been patient, giving ample opportunity for repentance, but their transgressions have piled up until there are no more chances.
This isn't about God being arbitrary with numbers. It’s about His justice finally catching up to persistent rebellion. When a nation or an individual fills up the cup of their iniquity, the consequences are inevitable.
Israel sold the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals. What does this shocking image reveal about their society and God's view of justice?
The Devaluation of Human Worth
The core sin here is the perversion of justice for personal gain.
Understand the original words
pesha‘ · Hebrew Noun
A willful act of rebellion, revolt, or breach of relationship against God's law or a covenant. It carries the weight of a conscious turning away from divine authority.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective
Someone who is morally upright, in a right relationship with God, and acts in accordance with His revealed will. It refers to those who keep the covenant and live in justice and righteousness.
ebyon · Hebrew Adjective
Those who lack material wealth or social power and are therefore vulnerable. In the Bible, God expresses special care for them and warns against their exploitation.
Amos confronts Israel not just with abstract sins, but with specific, tangible injustices that permeate their society. The verse highlights how the pursuit of wealth and luxury led judges and creditors to exploit the vulnerable, selling the innocent and the needy for paltry sums, demonstrating a profound disregard for God's law and human dignity.
c. 840 BC
Assyrian Campaigns in the West
Assyrian kings, like Shalmaneser II, launch military campaigns into the Levant, increasing pressure on Israel and its neighbors. This sets a backdrop of regional instability and serves as a reminder of potential divine judgment.
c. 760 BC
Omri Dynasty and Israel's Prosperity
The reign of Jeroboam II marks a period of territorial expansion and economic prosperity for the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, this outward success masks deep social injustice and moral decay.
c. 760 BC— this verse
Amos's Prophetic Ministry Begins
Amos, a shepherd from Tekoa in Judah, is called by God to prophesy against the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He delivers his message during a time of outward peace but internal corruption.
c. 755 BC
Assyrian Renewed Pressure
Following a period of internal weakness, Assyria begins to exert renewed pressure on the region. This external threat foreshadows the impending doom awaiting Israel.
Micah echoes Amos's condemnation of the leaders of Israel, who exploit the poor and pervert justice for personal gain, highlighting how corruption in leadership leads to divine judgment.
Ezekiel 22:29This passage describes similar oppressions and injustices within Jerusalem, where people practice fraud and violence against the vulnerable, leading to God's wrath.
Proverbs 17:15This proverb directly states that acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent are both abominations to the Lord, underscoring the gravity of the injustice described in Amos.
Matthew 18:25In the New Testament, Jesus uses the parable of an unforgiving servant who owes an immense debt, illustrating the severe consequences of extreme debt and the possibility of being 'sold' into servitude, echoing the literal selling of the poor for paltry sums.
Deuteronomy 16:19This Mosaic Law explicitly forbids taking a bribe, especially in judicial matters, stating that a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous, directly addressing the sin of the judges in Amos.
calvinAmos 2:6: "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;"
- Sic dicit Jehova, Super tribus sceleribus Israel et super quatuor non convertam cum (vel, ad eum,) quia emerunt (vel, vendiderunt: quidam enim deducunt a krt, et putant m esse literam formalem nominis: alii autem deducunt a mkr quod est vendere vel mercari; sed sensus Prophetae eodem redit…
pulpitAmos 2:6: "Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;"
Verses 6-16. - 3. Summons and general denunciation of Israel for injustice, cruelty, incest, luxury, and idolatry. Verse 6. - They sold the righteous for silver. The first charge against Israel is perversion of justice. The judges took bribes and condemned the righteous, i.e. the man whose ca…
The phrase "for a pair of sandals" isn't just about a small bribe; it highlights the utter disregard for justice, where a person's entire well-being, even their freedom, could be traded for something as trivial as footwear. This reveals a society so steeped in corruption that human dignity was literally sold for next to nothing.
Amos, now focusing on the northern kingdom of Israel, declares that God's patience has run out due to their deep corruption. He begins by detailing their specific sins, starting with the perversion of justice where the righteous and the poor were essentially bought and sold for insignificant sums, illustrating a total disregard for righteousness and mercy in their dealings. This sets the stage for further accusations of immorality and oppression that God will no longer tolerate.
Amos, now focusing on the northern kingdom of Israel, declares that God's patience has run out due to their deep corruption. He begins by detailing their specific sins, starting with the perversion of justice where the righteous and the poor were essentially bought and sold for insignificant sums, illustrating a total disregard for righteousness and mercy in their dealings. This sets the stage for further accusations of immorality and oppression that God will no longer tolerate.
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This wasn't just about financial transactions; it was a spiritual and moral bankruptcy where the value of human life and God's justice were utterly debased.
734-732 BC
Syro-Ephraimitic War
The kingdoms of Aram (Syria) and Israel attempt to force Judah into an anti-Assyrian alliance. This conflict further destabilizes the region and leads to the deportation of Israelites by Assyria.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire under King Sargon II. Its inhabitants are exiled, marking the end of the ten tribes as a distinct entity.
"Thus says the LORD:
“For three transgressions of Israel,
and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because they sell the righteous for silver,
and the needy for a pair of sandals—" — The phrase "for a pair of sandals" isn't just about a small bribe; it highlights the utter disregard for justice, where a person's entire well-being, even their freedom, could be traded for something…