Daily Devotions
Amos
"Transgressions of the people of Ammon"
Text: Amos 1:13
A SHORT HISTORY
The next country listed for judgment was Ammon. The country lay east of Israel.
1. Origin of Ammon
a) Ammon’s father was Lot.
b) There was a sad incestuous relationship between Lot and his daughter (Genesis 19:30-38).
2. Instruction of Israel
a) Israel was instructed carefully.
b) It was not allowed to harass Ammon.
c) The descendants of Lot were recognised by the Lord (Deuteronomy 2:19).
THE TRANSGRESSIONS OF AMMON
One of the worst transgressions of Ammon was noted in this text.
“Thus says the LORD:
‘For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four,
I will not turn away its punishment,
Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead,
That they might enlarge their territory.'”
Amos 1:13
1. “Thus says the LORD”
Few things could be more sobering and solemn than the following judgment uttered.
2. “For three transgressions of the people of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment”
These were ominous words indeed!
3. “Because they ripped open the women with child in Gilead”
a) This was a very serious charge.
b) Women were not involved in warfare.
c) Certainly not pregnant women.
d) Gilead was north of Ammon and was part of Israel.
e) This cruel act of the Ammonites was inexcusable.
4. “That they might enlarge their territory”
a) Ammon sought to expand their kingdom.
b) It had been spared harassment by Israel in the days of Moses.
c) In its desire to expand their kingdom it resorted to very violent and cruel activities.
d) Such cruel acts were meant to intimidate their enemies! But God was not impressed at all!
He was most displeased and condemned Ammon for its cruel aggression!