There are instances where shoes are thrown at the judges or eggs smashed on their faces. Angry criminals respond when they are convicted and sentenced to jail. However, Amos speaks of a culture of lawlessness and vehement opposition to the truth. It is not individuals who are criminals; the whole nation becomes unjust and insensitive to the poor. “They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth.” (Amos 5:10)
The Gate: In ancient times, the gate was the law court. In the time of Amos, the court of Israel was corrupt. Social relationships were at their worst, and there was no trust, and people mistreated one another. The weak, vulnerable, widows, orphans, underprivileged, and marginalised did not have a voice, or representative, or an advocate at the Gate of justice. People were also robbed by oppressive taxes, as the rulers lived in luxury. The rich used their money and influence to pervert justice and drive the poor away from justice.
Rebuke: There were lonely voices like that of true prophets. But they were hated, both the messenger and the message. Those who spoke the truth were considered allergic and an abomination for the welfare of society. The Word of God is given to rebuke people so that they can choose the correct path. (II Timothy 3:15-17) For them, rebuke was humiliation, and hence they hated them.
Silence of the prudent: When such a culture of injustice, lawlessness, and hatred of truth exists, the prudent become silent. (Amos 5:13) Godly, righteous, and good people chose not the speak out for two reasons. First, they feared that they might be harmed or killed. Second, they realised that speaking does not do good anymore, for it is an evil time or evil people are exercising wicked authority.
Prophets: The prudent may become silent, but true prophets do not. Amos was not silent. As they are sent by God, with special courage, boldly they proclaim the truth. The Church is called to be the Prophetic Voice to the nations.
Do I stand for justice and truth?