Amos 8:7

"that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals, and sell the sweepings with the wheat?’”"

Key Reflection

Amos 8:7 reveals the economic exploitation practiced by the wealthy elite in ancient Israel, where they bought the poor for silver and sandals, indicating a society marked by severe social inequality. The original audience would have understood these actions as part of a broader pattern of oppression, where the rich amassed wealth at the expense of the destitute, using their poverty to gain control over them, whether through labor or purchase. This practice stood in stark contrast to the covenantal obligations and ethical standards expected of God’s people.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

By the excellency of Jacob -that is, by Himself who was its Glory, as Samuel calls Him “the Strength”1 Samuel 15:29or the Glory of Israel. Amos had before said, “God sware by His Holiness” and “by Himself” or “His soul.” Now, in like way, He pledges that Glory wherewith He was become the Glory of His people. He reminds them, who was the sole Source of their glory; not their calves, but Himself, their Creator; and that He would not forget their deeds. “I will not forget any,” literally, “all;” as David and Paul say, “all flesh,” all living men, “shall not be justified,” that is, none, no one, neither the whole nor any of its parts.

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