Morning Message: The Day of the Lord

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Day of the Lord"

Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

“Hypocrites!” Jesus called out. He called them whited sepulchers, only half-heartedly living the Law; blind guides they were, unclean, and engaged in building great tombs to the prophets that their forefathers had killed, and they themselves garnishing the tombs of the righteous. Jesus described them as straining at a gnat yet swallowing a camel. He called them serpents, and a generation of vipers in Matthew 23:13-36! This is how He spoke of the Religious Leaders of His day. “There is nothing new under the sun.”

In Amos 5 today, we read that God will neither accommodate hypocrites in the congregation, nor accept their offerings of praise, peace, or meat offerings at the altar. They produced the leaven of the Pharisees with the entire Sanhedrin. The Father and the Son never change; Old and New Testament teachings are the same according to our reading of the scriptures today. The Lord God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The Children of God have always had trouble walking their talk. Era designations of B.C. or A.D. are meaningless when it comes to human righteousness: “There is none righteous, no, not one.” (Romans 3:10). As serious as this sounds, God remains loving, forgiving, merciful and gracious.

The difficulty is that mankind’s condition is a product of the flesh that we live in. Jesus Himself lived in our fleshly world, and was tempted in all ways, like us. Christ Jesus is therefore our perfect advocate, and the perfect Lamb of God. Yet, Judgment Day is still going to come for the unbelievers.

Faith in Christ dictates that we are not to wallow in our own helpless humanity, but to be hopeful in Jesus’ overwhelming love, mercy, and grace for us!

Jeremiah 31:3 - 

“The Lord hath appeared of old to (us), saying, ‘Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.’”


Bobservations' Column: Audio Version




Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 5:15-27 - "The Day of the Lord"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The fifth chapter of Amos marks the beginning of the third in a series of five sermons on judgment preached by Amos. It records many of Israel’s sins and transgressions. Keep in mind the conditions that were prevalent in Israel at this time: political and military power under King Jeroboam II, economic prosperity, outward religious prosperity, inward spiritual decline, poverty, and injustice. Amos 5:11 is a key verse that sets the tone for the entire chapter. It describes both the sin and punishment of the rich. It is not sinful to be wealthy, but the Scripture warns ill-gotten riches and abuse of others through wealth is sin. Amos said the rich of his day were able to build houses and vineyards because they took advantage of the poor. When you read Amos’ words it is a reminder of how much God cared about common people and everyday life. Buying, selling, borrowing money for homes, and simple business deals were noticed by God. It is also a reminder that God knows what occurs and He will not be fooled. Every person who engages in dishonest dealings with others will one day suffer under the righteous judgment of God.

God Appeals to Israel in Amos 5:14-15. God’s exposure and rebuke of Israel’s sins are combined with a gracious appeal to return to him. God is intolerant toward injustice and sin but He is also longsuffering because of His desire to see men repent and be saved. God will exact justice; he will not tolerate man’s wickedness forever.

By the time Amos preached his messages of coming judgment, a cliché had become very popular among the people. They were saying, “Just wait until the Day of the Lord arrives.” But Amos said, “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD.” His words are directed toward those in Israel who believed that God’s intervention would be victorious for them and deadly for their enemies. They actually thought God’s coming, “the day of the LORD,” would bring blessings because they were God’s covenant people. Many of the people were saying they “desired” the “day of the LORD.” It was only natural the people would think that way since they were living in material prosperity and national peace.

The “day of the LORD” is a period of time in which God judges His enemies and establishes His kingdom on earth (Revelation 6-20). It truly would be a wonderful time for the Jewish people. However, Amos and other prophets such as Joel and Zephaniah realized the “day of the LORD” was also a time of purifying for Israel; when God’s people would go through tribulation before entering the kingdom of God (Joel 3:9-17; Zephaniah 2:1-2). In that regard, the coming “day of the LORD” was nothing to “desire.”

Amos’ message is straight and to the point. It told Israel what she needed to hear and also what we need to hear today. First, any people or nation that cares more for themselves than for God, is headed for judgment. Second, no amount of religious activity and enthusiastic worship can substitute for simple obedience to God. Third, all this religious stuff that we have made ourselves and carry with us is only leading to judgment. Fourth, Amos wants everyone to know that God is not fooled! God will have the last laugh, not us (Psalm 2:4).

God, through Amos, expresses disdain for empty rituals and false worship. He calls for justice and righteousness, emphasizing their significance over superficial sacrifices. The chapter concludes with a prophecy of exile for the unrepentant Israelites.

Amos Chapter 5 is a poignant chapter from the Old Testament prophetic book of Amos. This chapter presents the divine lament over the impending destruction of Israel due to their persistent sinfulness and societal injustices. It stands as a powerful call for repentance, warning against false worship, and urging a genuine return to righteousness.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Hate the Evil and Love the Good (5:15) - These were the righteous conditions necessary to turn back God's fast approaching judgment. 

Establish Judgment in the Gate (5:15) - By this it is evident the prophet speaks to governors and judges among them. Set up honest and upright judges in every gate where judges did sit in those days.

Remnant (5:15) - Here is an implied promise that a "remnant" - even of Joseph (that is, Ephraim, or Israel) - would eventually be restored.

Mourning (5:16) - The term "mourning" refers to grief over someone's death. In the ancient world, the traditional ritual of mourning involved putting on sackcloth. A biblical example is found in the book of 2 Samuel, where David asked "Joab and all the people who were with him" to tear their clothes and put on sackcloth to "lament before Abner" (2 Samuel 3:31). The book of Jeremiah also tells us that those who mourned usually transformed their physical appearance by cutting off their hair and beard (Jeremiah 7:29) and rolling in ashes (Jeremiah 6:26). Mourning was thus part of the burial rite, a way of honoring the dead person. This mourning likely will be accompanied by a substantial amount of death at the hand of the invaders.

The Day of the Lord (5:18) - The term day of the LORD refers to a time of divine intervention and judgement. Even the wicked wanted the Day of the Lord to come, mistakenly thinking that it would bring victory/blessing instead of certain judgment (cf. Zephaniah 1:14-18).

A Lion . . . A Bear . . . Serpent (5:19) - The Day of the Lord is a day of terror on every side. Before and behind, without and within, abroad under the roof of heaven, or under the shelter of his own, everywhere is terror and death.  The Syrian bear is said to have been more fierce and savage than the lion for its fierceness and voracity (Daniel 7:5). God made it in Daniel's vision, a symbol of the empire of the Medes. From both lion and bear there might be escape by flight.  When the man had "leaned his hand" trustfully "on the wall" of his own house, "and the serpent bit him," there was no escape. He had fled from death to death, from peril to destruction.  Israel felt secure in the fact that they were God's chosen. They felt sure they had been freed from all danger, when in fact; the danger to them had increased. They were like the man thinking he was safe from the lion, and was destroyed by the bear. He was also, like the man that went into the safety of his house and then was bitten by a serpent. There was no safe place to hide from the judgment of God.

Darkness and Light (5:20) - The illustrative parable makes it clear that darkness and light do not speak here of wickedness and righteousness but of disaster and safety.

I Hate Your Feast Days (5:21) - Note that it is THEIR feast days, not the Lord's feast days.  Going through the motions of observing feast days yet with a corrupt heart were despised by the Lord.  Such hypocrisy.  God is not impressed with religious ceremonialism that is disconnected from the heart.  It is meaningless.  It is offensive.  It is fake.  It does not honor God.  All of their ceremonialism (the outward appearance) paled in comparison to their participation and practice of corruption and immorality. 

Judgment Run Down (5:24) - Judgment will come as rain falls from heaven. God's judgment will be under His control alone. God's judgment is also righteous.

Sacrifices and Offerings (5:25-26) - In addition to worshiping the Lord during the Exodus in the wilderness, Israel also worshiped other gods, carrying along "Sikkuth (or "tabernacle") your king (or "Molech") and Chiun, your idols." Molech worship included the astrological worship of Saturn and the host of heaven, plus the actual sacrificing of children (2 Kings 17:16-17). Warned against Molech worship (Deuteronomy 18:9-13), Israel nevertheless pursued all facets of it, continuing with Solomon (1 Kings 11:7) and his descendants (1 Kings 12:28; 2 Kings 17:16, 17; Jeremiah 32:35) until Josiah (2 Kings 23:10). Stephen recited Amos 5:25-27 when he recounted the past sins of Israel in Acts 7:42, 43.

Captivity (5:27) - The punishment for their unfaithfulness to God for worshipping false gods. They were taken to Damascus as captives. This happens because God has judged them, and found them guilty of worshipping false gods. God brings the captivity.
Assyria conquered Damascus in 732 B.C., then overtook Israel in 722 B.C.

Morning Message: Seek The Lord And Live

Bobservations Column
Titled - "Seek The Lord And Live"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

God’s admonishment towards all Israel continues as we go through Chapter 5 of Amos; and it comes with encouraging words and direction. God speaks of righteous worship through the mouth of the Prophet. Jehovah is lamenting over His people, He desires fellowship with them, and true worship from them. He is missing both because the relationship has been broken.

It is natural for man to want freedom and independence, but God does not want the natural man, He desires the spiritual man, which is imputed to each of us at birth, with our first breath. It is God’s design that we need His air to live. Oxygen rich air is circulated throughout our bodies. And wonder of wonders, the trees and foliage replenish the oxygen we use. (And we replenish the carbon dioxide that they need and use!) God has left nothing to chance, in any part of His Creation.

But there is much left to chance for those that do not claim Him as Father. In fact, for them, everything is left to chance, unless mankind intervenes. The natural man has that level of wisdom, so one of our vulnerabilities is how easily we can be exalted by others and gain accolades from mankind. Those that desire the wisdom of God look to seek after Him, not one of His Creation.

Gilgal, Bethel, and Beersheba have nothing to offer the believer, and only temporary relief for the non-believer. Many here in the west followed after one who offered hope and change to the masses. They turned out to be empty promises because they utilized the collective wisdom of humanity, rather than God’s wisdom. And lest I be accused of politicizing the issue, every leader, of every age offered their own wisdom gained from human advisors, and personal experience, rather than the wisdom of the Creator.

Some have been, and will be better than others, and many will be worse because we are comparing the earthly with the earthly. We are in this conundrum because like Ephesus in Revelation 2:4, mankind has either left their first love, or rejected Him outright. And leaving God’s teachings behind, there is nothing long lasting, much less eternal without Him in our lives. Turn back to Jesus!

“Call now, if there will be any that will answer thee; and to which of the saints wilt thou turn?” - Job 5:1

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 5:1-15 - "Seek The Lord And Live"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Amos chapter 5 delivers a stark message of impending judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel for their moral and religious failings.

Amos ministered as a prophet to Israel at the nation’s apex of prosperity and political power. Sadly, it was a time when true worship of God had been replaced with idolatry, immorality, greed, materialism, injustice, spiritual complacency, and self-reliance. God’s people, both in Judah to the south (Amos’s home) and Israel to the north (Amos’s mission field), faced the Lord’s judgment because they had forsaken Him. In a string of dire predictions of coming doom (Amos 3:1—6:14), Amos offers this one ray of hope: “This is what the Lord says to Israel: ‘Seek me and live’” (verse 5:4).

The chapter opens with a lament for the fallen nation of Israel, likened to a young woman ravaged by war. Through a series of pronouncements, Amos exposes the hypocrisy of their religious practices, highlighting their neglect of justice and righteousness despite engaging in rituals and sacrifices.

Amos condemns their oppression of the poor and vulnerable, their pursuit of wealth through dishonest means, and their false sense of security in their religious observances.

The chapter offers a glimmer of hope, conditional on seeking the Lord and living justly, but ultimately warns of a coming exile as a consequence of their unrepentant hearts.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:  

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Lamentation (5:1) - A funeral dirge was taken up for Israel, compared to a young woman who had died (cf. 8:14). The term, “lamentation” describes a song or dirge for the dead; such funeral songs have a distinct meter or cadence. Typically, the dirge or funeral song consists of four discernible movements, including: a description of the tragedy (5:2–3), a summons to respond (5:4–6, 14–15), a direct address to the fallen (5:7–13), and a call to mourning (5:16–17).

Seek the Lord (5:4) - Three times the invitation to seek the Lord.  Three times God's mercy is given (verses 4, 6, 14). Though God’s judgment is imminent, it can be avoided, or at least postponed, by seeking the Lord. The only hope is to seek the Lord in true repentance and thus avoid the judgment of God. We see one more plea for them to repent and turn to God. If they would heed the warning and turn to God, even now, they would live. The appeal to “seek” God is a summons to respond to the prophet’s funeral song. The repetition of the summons (5:6, 14) with the use of the imperative form of the verb indicates the desperate situation Israel faced for making a decision. Simply stated, seeking God involves both obedience to His Word and repentance.   In order to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, they must seek what is good and run from evil (5:14).

And Live (5:4) - “Seek me and live” is the cry of God’s heart—His appeal for people to repent and pursue His forgiveness while there is still hope of salvation. The message echoes in Isaiah’s invitation: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). It resonates in Zephaniah’s call: “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger” (Zephaniah 2:3). “Seek me and live” is God’s invitation to return to “pure and genuine” devotion to the Lord (James 1:27), which is the foundation of our life and relationship with Him. When we forsake the Lord, we must humble ourselves before Him, repent, obey His commands, and walk in His ways again. Only in this way can we receive forgiveness of sins and restoration (2 Chronicles 7:14). The prophets repeatedly warned God’s rebellious children to return to authentic worship, which is our source of spiritual life and the only hope of salvation from the Lord’s judgment and wrath.

Bethel . . . Gilgal (5:5) - Bethel, the place of Jacob's dream (Genesis 28), and Gilgal, where Israel was circumcised before surrounding Jericho (Joshua 5:1-9), were sacred to Israel.

Beersheba (5:5) - Located in southern Judah, fifty miles southwest of Jerusalem, Beersheba had a rich Israelite history (cf. Genesis 21:33; 26:23; 1 Samuel 8:1-3; 1 Kings 19:3-7).  Apparently, people from the north crossed over the border to worship there (cf. 8:14). 

House of Joseph (5:6) - This refers to the northern kingdom, since Ephraim and Manasseh, sons of Joseph, were two of its largest tribes.

Justice to Wormwood (5:7) - Justice was so perverted that it was like wormwood, an herb known for its bitter taste (cf. Revelation 8:11). 

Judgment (justice)...Righteousness (5:7) - The prophet pairs “justice” and “righteousness” three times in this section (Amos 5:7, 24; 6:12). This is the best summary available to define the covenant responsibilities of God’s people. Since justice (cf. Isaiah 30:18) and righteousness (Micah 7:9) are essential activities of the LORD, they must become prime duties of his people.

Seven Stars (5:8) - The pagan worship of the stars and the gods associated with them, as practiced in the false religions of the land, was foolish, for the true Creator God had made the stars and their constellations.  He had even named them (Isaiah 40:26).  The "seven stars" was a popular name for the Pleiades. 

Pleiades and Orion (5:8) - Pleiades, part of the constellation Taurus, and Orion depict God's creative power and wisdom (cf. Job 9:9; 38:31-35).  Israel was guilty of worshipping the stars (cf. v. 26) instead of their Creator.  The book of Amos features three ancient hymn fragments (Amos 4:13; 5:8–9; 9:5–6). Amos emphasized the order and rhythm of God’s creation with his appeal to the cycle of constellations crossing the heavens (5:8a), the temporal patterns of day and night (5:8b), and the seasonal rainfalls (5:8c).  By appeal to the ancient hymn Amos understood that it is God who brings order to creation and to life (5:8b and 8c). The biblical creation account depicts a God who brings order out of chaos by his very word (Genesis 1–2; cf. Psalm 33:6). The unfathomable wisdom behind the design and order of creation is personified as a master architect (Proverbs 8:30), and his handiwork in the natural world is obvious (Psalm 19:1–4).

Dark Day with Night (5:8) - Only Jehovah could control the day/night cycle, for He had set the earth rotating on its axis.

In the gate (5:10-13) - The fabric of justice had been destroyed, causing pervasive corruption "in the gates."  This is the place where justice was administered (cf. verse 15; Deuteronomy 21:19; Joshua 20:4). 

Seek Good (5:14, 15) - These were the righteous conditions necessary to turn back God's fast approaching judgment. To seek good is to seek that which is pleasing to the LORD. To treat others justly, as commanded in God's covenant law with Israel. In this context, it specifically means to treat the poor justly, and to practice justice with equality for all (v. 15). God's covenant law required everyone in Israel to be treated the same under the law. There was to be no preference to either rich or poor. These two commands—seek God and seek good—sum up the essence of the Ten Commandments: love God and love our neighbor (Matt. 22:36-40; Mark 12:30-31).

That Ye May Live (5:14) - The succinct message to "seek good, not evil" and "Hate evil, love good" is the central theme of the book.  If obeyed, God's people would "live," the Lord would be with them and be gracious to them.

Hate Evil (5:15) - Evil is usually thought of as that which is morally wrong, sinful, or wicked; however, the word evil can also refer to anything that causes harm, with or without the moral dimension. The word is used both ways in the Bible. Anything that contradicts the holy nature of God is evil (see Psalm 51:4). Anything that contradicts God's Word, His Commands are evil. God commands us to hate evil. Perhaps the most straightforward reason that we should hate evil is that God hates evil (Deuteronomy 12:31; 16:22; Psalm 5:4–6; 11:5; Proverbs 6:16–19).

Morning Message: The Kine of Bashan

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The Kine of Bashan"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The word “kine” in the Bible are the cows and heifers of God which graze on a thousand hills. And Bashan is the region east and north of the Sea of Galilee.

It brings to mind a pastoral scene of peace and tranquility. Today’s passage however brings a different image to mind from the peaceful country scene we might have imagined. While the cattle are grazing and getting fat on their diet, Amos speaks God’s word: “Listen up, you cows…”  Suddenly that picturesque image has changed. God’s upset is tangible in His words to the Jews of Jerusalem and Judah. Their behaviors were no better than the heathen nations surrounding them! Idol worship and ignoring God’s commands and laws was the order of each day among His people, especially those that lived nearest to the Temple itself.

While God destroyed the Syrian Palaces, and those of the Gazans and other nations surrounding Israel, He has the Jews under judgment, but mercifully, not to be destroyed. God has remembered His covenant with Abraham, and with his offspring, the 12 Tribes of Israel (Jacob’s 12 sons).

The question must be asked though, are Christians today any better than the Jews of old were? Idolatry abounds everywhere we look, and as far as the eye can see. Yet because God has grafted us into His family tree, he is faithful to keep us. Such mercy and grace can only come from a patient and loving Father.

In speaking to Judah and Jerusalem in verse 2 of the previous chapter, God said “You only have I known of all the families of the earth…”  How fortunate it is that the Church has been grafted into the heritage of His Chosen People! (Romans 11:17-23)

Nonetheless, Jesus, will still judge us and our works on Earth. We are kept because we have chosen to believe in Him, but that means that God will chasten us as sons and daughters. He has not marked us for destruction like the heathen, but for reward! That is why His chastisement comes, to get our attention, and motivate us to repentance. Neither the Jews, nor the Church are the fatherless heathens; we are sanctified by God to be changed from death to life; from the world to His heavenly Kingdom (John 3:16, 17)!

From Hebrews 12:7 - 

"If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?"

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning's Audio Message:

Amos 4:1-13 - "The Kine of Bahsan"

Summary/Additional Commentary and Definitions:

Amos chapter 4 is a divine rebuke against Israel's unrepentant heart.

Amos 4, albeit challenging, is a poignant reminder of the significant consequence of our choices and the importance of repentance. God’s numerous interventions are His attempts to turn us back to Him. True repentance is not about performing rituals but about a heart transformation, that we might seek justice, and display compassion to the oppressed.

The chapter begins with a stern rebuke to the complacent and wealthy women of Samaria, who are metaphorically referred to as "cows of Bashan". These women are living in luxury and opulence, oppressing the poor and demanding wine from their husbands. God vows they will face severe judgment for their actions.

Amos sarcastically encourages the Israelites to continue in their idolatrous practices at Bethel and Gilgal, two places notorious for idol worship. However, he warns that their rituals and sacrifices are meaningless to God, who desires obedience and justice over empty offerings. Despite God's multiple punishments in forms of famine, drought, blight, plagues, and even the destruction of some cities, the Israelites remained unresponsive to God’s warnings.

The chapter concludes with God's stern declaration of imminent judgment. Amos reminds the Israelites of God's mighty power, urging them to prepare to meet their God who controls the forces of nature and has power over life and death.

Amos 4 is a stern chapter that underscores the prophetic warnings delivered by God through His servant, Amos, to the Israelites. Despite the numerous chastisements and trials allowed by God, the Israelites remain obstinate and unrepentant in their sins. The chapter presents a strong appeal for repentance and a turning away from the hollow rituals, emphasizing the significance of genuine righteousness.

Sunday Morning Audio Message: 

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Ye Kine (Cows) of Bashan (4:1) - The husbands of “Samaria” met their wives’ demands for luxury by denying “the poor” justice, and then by taking their land through excessive taxation and usury. These wealthy women (“cows of Bashan”) were in turn using their wealth to enrich themselves rather than to help the needy, unaware that they were “fattening” themselves for the slaughter of God’s devastating judgment. Not only is this an indictment against the women of Samaria, but a depreciating description of the compassionless woman of Samaria who lived such luxurious lives (cf. Isaiah 3:16-26; 32:9-13; Jeremiah 4:30).  The "cows" of Bashan were noted for being well fed and strong because of the lush pastures of the area.  The women of Samaria lived in luxurious wantonness, enjoying their luxury while feeding off of the oppressed the poor and the needy. Bashan was a fertile region below Mt. Hermon east of the Jordan River known for its lush pastures.  Under Jeroboam II, Israel was enjoying great prosperity.

Sworn By (4:2) - As sure as God is holy and true, so certainly will he bring the threatened judgment upon you.

Out at the Breaches . . . Into the Palace (4:2, 3) - Captives will be mercilessly led out of the city through breaches in the walls, depicting massive overthrow.  The location of the palace is unknown.  Cattle find a hole in the fence and go through it. These women will find a break in the wall and go out at it. They will be carried away by the enemy to their stronghold.

Bethel . . . Gilgal (4:4) - the place of Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28), and Gilgal, where Israel was circumcised before surrounding Jericho (Joshua 5:1-9), were sacred to Israel.  “Gilgal” represents Israel’s early faithfulness (Joshua 5:10; 9:6).  Beth-el and Gilgal had been places of true worship in the past. These of Israel had turned both places into a place where idols were worshipped. It is so strange that all the time the Israelites were worshipping false gods; they were still going through the motion of worshipping God. They were still sacrificing every day as they had before they started worshipping false gods.

Sacrifice . . . With Leaven (4:5) - Though prohibited from most offerings, leaven was required as a part of the thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:11-15).

Cleanness of Teeth (4:6) - Amos employed this euphemism to depict the absence of food during the famine and drought sent by God to warn Israel, which he described (in verses 6-9; Deuteronomy 28:22-24; 47-48; Lev. 26:18).  The fact that their teeth were clean indicates a famine in the land. God brought the famine to cause them to repent and return to Him. Even the famine did not cause them to repent of their sins.

Withholden the Rain (4:7) - This is speaking of a drought coming. Again, God did this to get them to repent and turn back to Him, but they did not. He caused such selective places to rain so that it should have been obvious that this was a judgment of God upon them.

Smitten You with Blasting and Mildew (4:9) - Literally, "an exceeding scorching," such as the hot east wind produced and "an exceeding mildew," a blight, in which the ears turn untimely a pale yellow, and had no grain. Both words are doubly intensive. They stand together in the prophecy of Moses (Deut. 28:22), among the other scourges of disobedience.

The Manner of Egypt (4:10) - That is, after the way in which God had dealt with Egypt. God had twice promised, when the memory of the plagues which He sent on Egypt was still fresh in their minds: "if thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, I will put none of the diseases upon thee which I have brought upon the Egyptians" (Exodus 15:26; Deut. 7:15).

Firebrand Plucked from the Burning (4:11) - Only because of God’s mercy was Israel saved from extinction (Zech. 3:2; Jude 23). Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire and brimstone falling from God in heaven. A very similar thing had happened to some of them, but they were not moved enough to repent and return to God. 

Prepare to Meet Your God (4:12) - The general concept was first used of Israel’s preparation to receive the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19:11, 15); here she was implored to prepare for His judgment.

Formeth the Mountains...Created the Wind... (4:13) - This is the God whom they were to be prepared to face. He is the Lord God Almighty. This is a declaration that Creator God will bring this punishment on them. This is no idle threat, but is made by the Ruler of the universe. The mountains are from generation to generation, and are one of the most permanent of His creations. No one knows where the wind comes from, but God created it too. God is God of all His creation. The Lord, Jehovah, the Eternal One, Alpha and Omega, the One who exists, the All Powerful, is still in control of all. He can do with any of it whatever He chooses. It all belongs to God.