Homiletic Magazine Amos 8:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, said the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon… I. THE DIVINE HAND IN AN APPARENTLY UNTIMELY EVENT. The peculiar reference of the text is some sudden calamity which was to befall Israel. In nothing is the Divine sovereignty more conspicuous than in the untimely removal of useful and excellent characters from the world. The mystery attending it, however, arises more from ignorance and shortsightedness than from any other cause. We can only judge from appearances. With the real nature of the case, and the actual reasons which govern the decisions of the Eternal, we are equally unacquainted. Humanity seems to weep when her favourite sons are removed. Patriotism bears a dejected head when her brightest ornaments are no more. The world trembles when its best pillars bow before the stern hand of time and death — "when the earth is darkened in the clear day." Even religion cannot be unmoved. Religion contemplates, and teaches us to contemplate, this world in its true light, as introductory only to a more finished state of being — as connected with the purposes and plans of heaven. It is succeeded by an emotion of triumph, that in that world in which their splendours are renewed the same voice proclaims, "My sun shall no more go down." II. THE DIVINE DISPENSATIONS DEMAND PARTICULAR ATTENTION. The very language of the text denotes surprise, and seems intended to awaken attention — "and it shall come to pass." So it is especially when God takes from the world important characters, — He expressly designs to arouse men from their lethargy. Fear should produce seriousness and desire for the true salvation. (Homiletic Magazine.) Parallel Verses KJV: And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day: |
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