Definition: Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes;

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 2:6. It’s a really powerful warning about how people are treating God’s people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God is deeply disappointed with Israel because they’ve been repeatedly breaking his rules and showing him little respect. He's willing to let the consequences of these broken rules fall on them, but he won’t stop punishing them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD” : This is just Amos speaking as a messenger from God. It’s a formal declaration. “For three transgressions of Israel…” : Amos is saying that there have been three serious wrongs committed by the Israelites. Think of it like a series of bad choices or actions. “…and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof” : This is where it gets really serious. He’s willing to continue punishing them even after these three transgressions. He's not going to forgive them easily. It means he’s prepared for more hardship and suffering. “because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes” : This is the core of the message – it’s a stark comparison. “Sold the righteous for silver…” : This means they were being exploited – treated like property to be bought and sold for wealth. They were being taken advantage of. “…and the poor for a pair of shoes” : This illustrates how they were being treated unfairly and with little regard for those who are vulnerable, like the poor and downtrodden. Overall Meaning & What it Means to Us Today: This verse is a warning about: Justice and God’s Mercy: It highlights that God isn't just concerned with punishing wrongdoing; he also cares deeply about justice and fairness. The Importance of Righteousness: It emphasizes the need for people to live righteously – to follow God’s laws and values. Compassion & Protection: It calls for compassion for those who are vulnerable and reminds us that God wants to protect the poor and those who are marginalized. In a nutshell, Amos is telling us that Israel needs to change its ways, because they're treating their neighbors poorly and exploiting them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you an example of a situation where this verse might be relevant today?