Theodore of Mopsuestia

In his own words on Amos

• Amos 2:7

  They so multiplied their ill-gotten gains as to betray the rights of the needy for the basest profit (the meaning of the phrase "sandals trampling the dust of the earth," which was clear proof of their setting no store by justice, especially as they easily did so for base profit). "They pummeled the heads of the poor." Of the same people he says that they not only failed to vindicate their claim on justice but even belabored them without risk—hence his going on, "and strayed from the path of the lowly." Though their behavior was correct, they changed the verdict to a negative one, scorning them for their lowliness.

  COMMENTARY ON AMOS 2:6–8

• Amos 6:9-10

  The passage involves deep obscurity from the viewpoint of commentary. It resembles the part in Genesis where there is mention of the treaty that Laban and Jacob made with each other about ownership of the offspring of the sheep, one man owning some, the other owning others. While that is obscure in its expression, the sense gains clarity in the course of comment. Now it is necessary to expound the sense of this passage as well, whose reference is not clearly expressed. His intention, in fact, is to cite a proof of the devastation affecting them in that it was very extreme. In many cases scarcely ten will be left from a large household of many members, the rest being done away with in various ways through the war.

  COMMENTARY ON AMOS 6:9–10