ESV Reformation Study Bible – Amos 2:6
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Amos 2:6

2:6 Israel. The indictment of the northern kingdom begins—Israel is guilty of social injustice, sexual immorality, and religious abuses (vv. 6–8).

sell the righteous for silver. A reference to the corrupt judicial system. Judges were willing to convict the innocent upon payment of a bribe.

the needy. The Lord had a special concern that their rights be protected (Ex. 23:6; Jer. 5:28), but they were being sold into slavery even for insignificant debts (here symbolized by a pair of sandals). Indigent slavery in Israel was legal, but was carefully limited by the law of Moses (Ex. 21:2; Deut. 15:12; 1 Pet. 2:18 and notes).