war crimes

Good morning friends,
This morning Amos continues his oracles against the nations. Many of the historical references are hard to place exactly here, though Amos's words certainly whet our curiosity. When Amos talks about Edom pursuing his brother he means persecuting Israel. The Bible traces the nation of Israel back to Isaac's son, Jacob (who's name was later changed to Israel after he wrestled with the angel). It also traces the neighboring nation of Edom back to Jacob's brother Esau. Genesis tells the story of Jacob fleeing from Esau after tricking their father into giving him the blessing that was meant for Esau. The conclusion of that story is Esau's forgiveness of Jacob.

The other oracles presented here all condemn the nations for atrocities committed in wartime. Even in war, and even in nations that aren't Israel, there are certain standards of conduct we are expected to follow. Some kinds of violence are always out of bounds. It's interesting to read these oracles this week as our Presbyterian Church's general assembly is meeting to discern God's call to the church in many different ways. During this General Assembly the church is considering several proposals relating to war and peacemaking. Let's remember to keep our denomination in prayer as we seek the future God has for us and look for new ways to witness to God's love in a violent world.

God bless,
Sam

Amos 1:11-2:3

11Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because he pursued his brother with the sword and cast off all pity; he maintained his anger perpetually, and kept his wrath forever. 12So I will send a fire on Teman, and it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah. 13Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of the Ammonites, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they have ripped open pregnant women in Gilead in order to enlarge their territory. 14So I will kindle a fire against the wall of Rabbah, fire that shall devour its strongholds, with shouting on the day of battle, with a storm on the day of the whirlwind; 15then their king shall go into exile, he and his officials together, says the Lord.

Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because he burned to lime the bones of the king of Edom. 2So I will send a fire on Moab, and it shall devour the strongholds of Kerioth, and Moab shall die amid uproar, amid shouting and the sound of the trumpet; 3I will cut off the ruler from its midst, and will kill all its officials with him, says the Lord.