Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Amos

Amos 
Day 
Day 23

"Transgressions of Moab"

Text: Amos 2:1

AMMON AND MOAB

Ammon and Moab were actually brothers. They were the sons of Lot. They established nations. Their countries were situated quite close to each other. Ammon was north of Moab. Both gave a lot of trouble to Israel.

“Thus says the LORD:
‘For three transgressions of Moab, and for four.
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.”
Amos 2:1

1. Moab’s brief history with Israel

Balak, king of Moab sought the help of Balaam the false prophet to curse Israel in the days of Moses. However, these attempts failed miserably (Numbers 22-24).

2. “For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment”

a) Again, we read this sombre and solemn declaration from God.
b) Judgment will be visited upon Moab.

3. “Because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime”

a) This is an unnecessarily wicked deed.
b) One gives battle in times of war.
c) The defeated should not be subjected to such disrespectful treatment.
d) In the ancient days, there was great respect for the dead.
e) It was unthinkable to desecrate tombs!
f) Possible reference:
i) Digging up the bones of the dead king of Edom.
ii) There is disregard for the dead.
iii) The bones were dug and then desecrated.
iv) This was to add insult to injury.
v) Some Chaldee commentators noted that the bones that had been turned to lime were used to plaster homes.

4. A List of sins recorded in Jeremiah 48

a) He exalted himself against the LORD (Jeremiah 48:26, 42).
b) He is exceedingly proud.
His loftiness and arrogance and pride (Jeremiah 48:29).
c) Wrath and lies (Jeremiah 48:30).
d) Rank idolatry (Jeremiah 48:35).