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"As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah"

Text: Amos 4:11

THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH

The story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was carefully captured in Genesis 18. Reference was made to this event in history. Unfortunately, this event was relegated to something that had happened in the past and had little current relevance. This perspective had to be addressed and corrected.

“‘I overthrew some of you,
As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah,
And you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning;
Yet you have not returned to Me,’
Says the LORD.”
Amos 4:11

1. “As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah”

a) These twin cities were very prosperous.

b) However, they were immoral and unrighteous.

c) Thousands of people lived in these cities, but not even ten righteous men could be found therein.

d) Despite the prayers and pleas that Abraham made on their behalf, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.

2. “I overthrew some of you”

a) This is a reference to the current situation in the days of Amos.

b) The word “overthrew” and the mention of Sodom and Gomorrah would indicate a fate of destruction.

3. “And you were like a firebrand plucked from the burning”

a) The word “brand” may be understood as a faggot of wood thrown into a fire.

b) Israel could have been totally burned up.

c) But God in His great mercy spared the nation, thus there were survivors.

4. “‘Yet you have not returned to Me,’ says the LORD”

a) “Yet you have not returned to Me” was repeated again and again (five times in Amos 4)

b) On the Lord’s part

i) It represents sadness.

ii) It suggests regret that Israel had not turned from its wicked ways.

c) With reference to Israel

i) The obstinacy of the nation was astonishing.

ii) The lack of spiritual perception and response would prove deadly.

iii) The end would come when period of grace and mercy is over.

It would come sooner than it is expected!