Amos 2:11-12 And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O you children of Israel?… In Israel worldly prosperity had produced its usual effect — in excessive self-indulgence, and in forgetfulness of God; and in the capital itself, more especially, the luxurious life of the upper classes contrasted painfully with the miserable destitution of those who were dependent upon them. Under the circumstances we should have expected God to interfere. And He does interfere. He calls forth a considerable number of Nazarites, and sends them as His representatives among the people. The Nazarites were a class of persons whose mode of life wan intended to be a witness to the high importance of the covenant-position of Israel. Some such took vows for a period; some for life. Their obligations were mainly to abstain from the use of all intoxicating liquor. And they were to be on their guard against ceremonial defilement. Every Nazarite who made his appearance in public would be a living protest against the sensual ways of the leading inhabitants. We, can well understand that these self-indulgent nobles and wealthy citizens would not unfrequently endeavour to induce one of these devotees to break his vow. It would be a triumph for them if they succeeded. The charge is brought against them by Amos. What lessons may be conveyed to persons situated as you and I are? There is something peculiarly bad in God's sight in the endeavour to induce another person. to act in opposition to his conscience. By "offering wine to the Nazarite we are clearly casting in our lot with the opponents of the cause of Christ. (Gordon Calthrop, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD. |
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