Amos was chosen by God to prophesy to Israel. Amos lived during a time when Israel was at peace with most of the surrounding nations. There was a general state of wealth and prosperity in Israel. The northern and southern kingdoms had almost reached the same size as the kingdom had been under Solomon.
However, the people had become evil. They were arrogant and full of pride. They worshipped idols. The rich mistreated the poor. Many of the people were preoccupied with making money.
The people had reached the point that they even despised God. In Amos 2:4, we are told that God will punish the people because, “they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments.” The word “despised” comes from a Hebrew word that means a strong dislike. They were not just rejecting God’s law. They truly did not like it at all.
In Amos 5:21, we read, “I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies.” The people were still performing sacrifices to God, but their heart was not in it. They were simply going through the motions without thinking of or having any emotion toward God. Because of this, God said he despised them. God uses the same Hebrew word for “despise” that was used in Amos 2:4.
There is an old saying that says, “What goes around, comes around.” This means that what you do to others will eventually come back to haunt you. If you treat others poorly, eventually you will be treated poorly. The Israelites had despised God, and He says He despises them. His longsuffering toward them was over. He was going to punish them for their disobedience and bad attitude.
I know you do not want God to despise you. I know you want to obey Him. Study your Bible. Always do what He wants you to do. Do it because you desire to please Him. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
