Amos 2:6-16 ▼

6 This is what the LORD says: |Because Israel has committed three covenant transgressions--make that four!--I will not revoke my decree of judgment. They sold the innocent for silver, the needy for a pair of sandals.

7 They trample on the dirt-covered heads of the poor; they push the destitute away. A man and his father go to the same girl; in this way they show disrespect for my moral purity.

8 They stretch out on clothing seized as collateral; they do so right beside every altar! They drink wine bought with the fines they have levied; they do so right in the temple of their God!

9 For Israel's sake I destroyed the Amorites. They were as tall as cedars and as strong as oaks, but I destroyed the fruit on their branches and their roots in the ground.

10 I brought you up from the land of Egypt; I led you through the wilderness for forty years so you could take the Amorites' land as your own.

11 I made some of your sons prophets and some of your young men Nazirites. Is this not true, you Israelites?| The LORD is speaking!

12 But you made the Nazirites drink wine; you commanded the prophets, 'Do not prophesy!'

13 Look! I will press you down, like a cart loaded down with grain presses down.

14 Fast runners will find no place to hide; strong men will have no strength left; warriors will not be able to save their lives.

15 Archers will not hold their ground; fast runners will not save their lives, nor will those who ride horses.

16 Bravehearted warriors will run away naked in that day.| The LORD is speaking!