6 "But I gave you also cleanness of teeth in all your cities And lack of bread in all your places , Yet you have not returned to Me," declares the Lord . 7 "Furthermore , I withheld the rain from you While there were still three months until harvest . Then I would send rain on one city And on another city I would not send rain ; One part would be rained on, While the part not rained on would dry up. 8 "So two or three cities would stagger to another city to drink water , But would not be satisfied ; Yet you have not returned to Me," declares the Lord . 9 "I smote you with scorching wind and mildew ; And the caterpillar was devouring Your many gardens and vineyards , fig trees and olive trees ; Yet you have not returned to Me," declares the Lord . 10 "I sent a plague among you after the manner of Egypt ; I slew your young men by the sword along with your captured horses , And I made the stench of your camp rise up in your nostrils ; Yet you have not returned to Me," declares the Lord .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Amos 4:6-10
Commentary on Amos 4:6-13
(Read Amos 4:6-13)
See the folly of carnal hearts; they wander from one creature to another, seeking for something to satisfy, and labour for that which satisfies not; yet, after all, they will not incline their ear to Him in whom they might find all they can want. Preaching the gospel is as rain, and every thing withers where this rain is wanting. It were well if people were as wise for their souls as they are for their bodies; and, when they have not this rain near, would go and seek it where it is to be had. As the Israelites persisted in rebellion and idolatry, the Lord was coming against them as an adversary. Ere long, we must meet our God in judgment; but we shall not be able to stand before him, if he tries us according to our doings. If we would prepare to meet our God with comfort, at the awful period of his coming, we must now meet him in Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of the Father, who came to save lost sinners. We must seek him while he is to be found.