Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
three cities wandered—that is, the inhabitants of three cities (compare Jeremiah 14:1-6). GROTIUS explains this verse and Amos 4:7, "The rain fell on neighboring countries, but not on Israel, which marked the drought to be, not accidental, but the special judgment of God." The Israelites were obliged to leave their cities and homes to seek water at a distance [CALVIN].
Jehovah details His several chastisements inflicted with a view to reclaiming them: but adds to each the same sad result, "yet have ye not returned unto Me" (Isaiah 9:13; Jeremiah 5:3; Hosea 7:10); the monotonous repetition of the same burden marking their pitiable obstinacy.
cleanness of teeth—explained by the parallel, "want of bread." The famine alluded to is that mentioned in II Kings 8:1 [GROTIUS]. Where there is no food to masticate, the teeth are free from uncleanness, but it is the cleanness of want. Compare Proverbs 14:4, "Where no oxen are, the crib is clean." So spiritually, where all is outwardly smooth and clean, it is often because there is no solid religion. Better fighting and fears with real piety, than peace and respectable decorum without spiritual life.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Amos 4:8:
Isaiah 1:7
Amos 4:1
Amos 4:11
Amos 5:3
Amos 7:4
Luke 15:13
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