Amos 8:6

That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; [yea], and sell the refuse of the wheat?

That we may buy {H7069} the poor {H1800} for silver {H3701}, and the needy {H34} for a pair of shoes {H5275}; yea, and sell {H7666} the refuse {H4651} of the wheat {H1250}?

buying the needy for money and the poor for a pair of shoes, and sweeping up the refuse of the wheat to sell!"

Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!”

that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

Amos 8:6 is a stark indictment of the extreme social injustice and economic exploitation prevalent in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the time of the prophet Amos. This verse exposes the depths of the wealthy merchants' greed, showing how they devalued human life for minimal gain.

Context

This verse follows a lament (Amos 8:4) against those who "swallow up the needy" and "make the poor of the land to fail." The preceding verse (Amos 8:5) reveals the merchants' impatience for religious festivals to end so they could resume their dishonest trading, using "false balances" and "making the ephah small, and the shekel great." Amos 8:6 vividly illustrates the ultimate outcome of such practices: human beings reduced to commodities.

Key Themes

  • Extreme Oppression: The verse highlights the horrifying extent of the rich's exploitation, where the poor and needy were treated as mere objects to be bought and sold. This goes beyond simple debt; it speaks to a system where the vulnerable had no recourse.
  • Devaluation of Human Life: "Buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes" dramatically underscores how little the oppressors valued human dignity. A "pair of shoes" represents a trivial amount, implying that even the smallest debt or inconvenience was enough to enslave a person. This echoes themes of injustice found in other prophetic books, such as Micah 2:2.
  • Pervasive Dishonesty: The phrase "sell the refuse of the wheat" points to fraudulent business practices. Not only were they rigging weights and measures, but they were also selling inferior grain, possibly sweepings or husks, as good quality. This speaks to a complete lack of integrity in their commercial dealings, a practice condemned throughout Scripture (e.g., Proverbs 11:1).
  • Greed and Materialism: At the heart of these actions was an insatiable desire for wealth, overriding any sense of compassion, justice, or reverence for God's law.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "a pair of shoes" (נַעֲלַיִם - na'aláyim) is a powerful symbol of something of extremely low value. It emphasizes the utterly contemptible price for which human beings were being enslaved. This highlights the severe moral bankruptcy of the society Amos was prophesying against.

Practical Application

Amos 8:6 serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of unchecked greed and social injustice. For believers today, it prompts reflection on:

  • Ethical Business Practices: We are called to conduct all our dealings with integrity, honesty, and fairness, ensuring that our pursuit of profit does not come at the expense of others, especially the vulnerable.
  • Compassion for the Poor: The verse reminds us of God's deep concern for the oppressed and His condemnation of those who exploit them. We are challenged to advocate for biblical justice and to care for the needy, reflecting God's heart (as seen in Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
  • Valuing Human Dignity: Every person, regardless of their economic status, bears the image of God and possesses inherent worth. This verse challenges any system or mindset that reduces people to mere commodities. The New Testament similarly warns against defrauding workers (James 5:4).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Amos 2:6

    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;

  • Amos 8:4

    ¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,

  • Nehemiah 5:8

    And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing [to answer].

  • Joel 3:3

    And they have cast lots for my people; and have given a boy for an harlot, and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink.

  • Leviticus 25:39

    ¶ And if thy brother [that dwelleth] by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:

  • Leviticus 25:42

    For they [are] my servants, which I brought forth out of the land of Egypt: they shall not be sold as bondmen.

  • Joel 3:6

    The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem have ye sold unto the Grecians, that ye might remove them far from their border.

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