2:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of {c} 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 {d} shoes;
(c) If he did not spare Judah unto whom his promises were made, much more he will not spare this degenerate kingdom.
(d) They esteemed most vile bribes more than men's lives.
2:6 Shoes - The smallest bribe, exprest here proverbially.
2:1-8 The evil passions of the heart break out in various forms; but the Lord looks to our motives, as well as our conduct. Those that deal cruelly, shall be cruelly dealt with. Other nations were reckoned with for injuries done to men; Judah is reckoned with for dishonour done to God. Judah despised the law of the Lord; and he justly gave them up to strong delusion; nor was it any excuse for their sin, that they were the lies, the idols, after which their fathers walked. The worst abominations and most grievous oppressions have been committed by some of the professed worshippers of the Lord. Such conduct leads many to unbelief and vile idolatry.
