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"I know your manifold transgressions"

Text: Amos 5:12

SINS THAT WERE HEINIOUS IN GOD’S SIGHT

Many were the sins that Israel had committed against the Lord and people. The following were highlighted.

“For I know your manifold transgressions
And your mighty sins:
Afflicting the just and taking bribes;
Diverting the poor from justice at the gate.”
Amos 5:12

1. “For I know”

a) The sins that were being highlighted were not sins of the past.

b) These sins continued to exist even as God spoke through His prophet Amos.

2. “Your manifold transgressions”

a) These sins were many.

b) They were closely inter-related too.

c) And they proved deadly for the victims.

d) These were indeed “transgressions” and were heinous enough to be highlighted for mention.

3. “And your mighty sins”

a) It is sad and depressing when sins are described as “mighty”.

b) These were thus not “little sins” but grave ones.

4. Three transgressions were highlighted in this text:

a) “Afflicting the just”

i) This was miscarriage of justice.

ii) This involved the abuse of powers.

iii) The just would end up being condemned because they were poor and powerless.

b) “And taking bribes”

i) The rich and powerful were able to use their wealth to get what they wished.

ii) Bribes were offered and accepted by corrupt officials.

iii) Such corruption would weaken the infrastructure of the country.

iv) The poor would suffer the most.

c) “Diverting the poor from justice at the gate”

“The gate” is reference to both business and the local village court of law. The poor may seek justice from those who were entrusted with authority to uphold justice. But the poor suffered instead.