Amo 4:4 | KingComments | STEP | In addition to satisfying their desires, they also have their own self-willed religion. Bethel and Gilgal are places with a rich history of blessing. In Bethel God appeared to Jacob and there Jacob buried his idols ( ). In Gilgal the people were circumcised when they entered the land ( ). But of the blessing only the memory is left. In practice, these cities have become cities where idolatry reigns supreme. It is therefore mockery that the prophet invites them to come to these places with their sacrifices. In his voice the mockery can be heard that is also heard with Elijah on the Carmel ( ). The thought that God would accept their sacrifice can be thrown far from us ( ). Amos speaks in an exaggerated sense: ‘If you were to bring your sacrifices every morning and your tithes every three days, it would only add to your sins.’ With the word “transgress” the thought of ‘rebellion’ is connected. They thought, blinded as they were, that by regular sacrifices they would remain in connection with the LORD. But Bethel is not the place God has said He wants to be served there (cf. ). That is Jerusalem. That is where He is to be found and not in the places of their own choice, although they still have such an old tradition. Someone has said: Each generation of readers of the book Amos is obliged to examine his own religion in the light of this word. Not where we think we can serve the Lord, with or without an appeal to the fathers of earlier or later times, but where the Lord is served according to His Word, that is where He wants to meet us. Name and tradition do not guarantee divine approval.

‏ Amos 4:4

The Mockery of the Prophet

In addition to satisfying their desires, they also have their own self-willed religion. Bethel and Gilgal are places with a rich history of blessing. In Bethel God appeared to Jacob and there Jacob buried his idols (Gen 35:2-4). In Gilgal the people were circumcised when they entered the land (Jos 5:2-9). But of the blessing only the memory is left. In practice, these cities have become cities where idolatry reigns supreme.

It is therefore mockery that the prophet invites them to come to these places with their sacrifices. In his voice the mockery can be heard that is also heard with Elijah on the Carmel (1Kgs 18:27). The thought that God would accept their sacrifice can be thrown far from us (Amos 5:5). Amos speaks in an exaggerated sense: ‘If you were to bring your sacrifices every morning and your tithes every three days, it would only add to your sins.’

With the word “transgress” the thought of ‘rebellion’ is connected. They thought, blinded as they were, that by regular sacrifices they would remain in connection with the LORD. But Bethel is not the place God has said He wants to be served there (cf. Jer 48:13). That is Jerusalem. That is where He is to be found and not in the places of their own choice, although they still have such an old tradition.

Someone has said: Each generation of readers of the book Amos is obliged to examine his own religion in the light of this word. Not where we think we can serve the Lord, with or without an appeal to the fathers of earlier or later times, but where the Lord is served according to His Word, that is where He wants to meet us. Name and tradition do not guarantee divine approval.