Amos 8:5

asking, "When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales.

Study Bible

When will the New Moon be over
The New Moon was a significant time in the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of a new month and often associated with religious observance and rest (Numbers 28:11-15). The Hebrew word for "New Moon" is "chodesh," which signifies renewal. In this context, the merchants' impatience for the New Moon to end reveals their disregard for spiritual observance in favor of economic gain. This attitude reflects a heart that prioritizes material wealth over spiritual devotion, a theme that resonates throughout the prophetic literature as a call to genuine worship and integrity.

that we may sell grain?
Selling grain was a common economic activity in ancient Israel, essential for sustenance and trade. The Hebrew word for "sell" is "makar," which can also imply betrayal or giving away something valuable. This dual meaning underscores the merchants' willingness to compromise ethical standards for profit. Grain, a staple of life, becomes a symbol of sustenance corrupted by greed. The prophets often condemned such practices, urging a return to justice and righteousness in economic dealings (Micah 6:10-11).

And the Sabbath
The Sabbath, or "Shabbat" in Hebrew, is a day of rest and worship, instituted by God as a covenant sign between Him and Israel (Exodus 31:13). It is a time to cease from labor and focus on spiritual renewal. The merchants' eagerness for the Sabbath to end highlights their neglect of this sacred time, prioritizing commerce over covenant. This attitude reflects a broader societal issue where economic pursuits overshadow spiritual commitments, a recurring theme in the prophetic critique of Israel's unfaithfulness.

that we may open the grain markets
Opening the grain markets signifies the resumption of business activities. The phrase suggests a preoccupation with commerce, even during times meant for rest and reflection. The Hebrew context implies a readiness to exploit opportunities for profit, often at the expense of ethical considerations. This behavior contrasts with the biblical call to fair and just economic practices, emphasizing the need for integrity in all aspects of life (Proverbs 11:1).

to reduce the ephah
The ephah was a unit of measure for dry goods, roughly equivalent to a bushel. Reducing the ephah indicates dishonest practices, such as giving less product than what is paid for. This deceitful behavior is condemned in the Law, which calls for honest weights and measures (Leviticus 19:35-36). The prophets, including Amos, denounce such exploitation, calling for a return to justice and equity in economic transactions.

and enlarge the shekel
The shekel was a standard unit of weight and currency. Enlarging the shekel implies inflating its value, thereby cheating customers. This practice reflects a broader theme of economic injustice prevalent in Israel, where the powerful exploit the vulnerable. The prophetic literature consistently calls for repentance and a return to God's standards of justice, emphasizing that true worship is inseparable from ethical living (Isaiah 1:16-17).

and cheat with dishonest scales?
Dishonest scales symbolize corruption and deceit in business. The Hebrew word for "cheat" is "ashaq," meaning to oppress or defraud. This imagery is powerful, as scales were a common tool in trade, representing fairness and balance. The prophets, including Amos, use this metaphor to highlight the moral decay in society, urging a return to righteousness and integrity. The call to justice is a central theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's character and His desire for His people to reflect His holiness in all areas of life (Proverbs 20:23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amos
A prophet from the southern kingdom of Judah, called by God to deliver a message of judgment to the northern kingdom of Israel. His prophecies often focus on social justice and the need for true worship.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom, which during Amos's time was experiencing economic prosperity but also moral and spiritual decay. The people were neglecting God's laws and exploiting the poor.

3. New Moon and Sabbath
These were sacred times in Israel's religious calendar. The New Moon marked the beginning of the month, and the Sabbath was a weekly day of rest. Both were intended for worship and rest, not commerce.

4. Dishonest Scales
A metaphor for economic injustice. Merchants were using deceitful practices to exploit buyers, which was against God's laws for fair trade.

5. Ephah and Shekel
Units of measurement for grain and money, respectively. Reducing the ephah and enlarging the shekel refers to manipulating measurements to cheat customers.

Teaching Points

The Importance of True Worship
Worship is not just about rituals but about aligning our lives with God's values, including justice and honesty.

Economic Integrity
God cares about how we conduct our business. We are called to be honest and fair in all our dealings.

Social Justice
The exploitation of the poor and vulnerable is a serious offense to God. We must advocate for and practice justice in our communities.

Sabbath Rest and Priorities
The Sabbath is a gift for rest and reflection, not an opportunity for profit. We should prioritize spiritual growth over material gain.

Repentance and Change
Recognizing our own tendencies toward greed or dishonesty is the first step toward repentance and transformation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the attitude of the merchants in Amos 8:5 reflect a misunderstanding of the purpose of the New Moon and Sabbath?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our business practices align with biblical principles of honesty and fairness?

3. How can we apply the principles of social justice found in Amos to our modern context?

4. What are some practical ways to honor the Sabbath in today's fast-paced world?

5. How can we guard against the temptation to prioritize material gain over spiritual growth and integrity?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 19:35-36
This passage commands fair measurements and honest scales, highlighting God's desire for justice and integrity in commerce.

Isaiah 1:13-17
Isaiah condemns empty religious rituals and calls for justice and righteousness, similar to Amos's message.

Micah 6:10-12
Micah also speaks against dishonest scales and deceitful practices, emphasizing God's disdain for economic exploitation.