Matthew Poole and continuators on Amos 2:1

1 THus saith the LORD, For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof : because he burnt the bones of the king of Edom into lime .

In this form the Prophet began, chap. 1. verse 4. which see. Here he doth threaten a Nation of some Kin to Israel, &c. as was Ammon, and almost as much an enemy; they appeared early enemies to Israel, and took most wicked wayes to ruin Israel, first hired Balaam to curse them, Numb. 22.23. when this did not succeed, he next acts a vile part, and by lewd harlots draws Israel to sin, Numb. 25.1, 2. &c. that so he might do against sinful Israel, what could not be done against innocent Israel. Moab also was the second oppressour of Israel, who for their sins were delivered into the hands of Eglon King of Moab, who opprest them eighteen years, Iudg. 3.14. for which, and other hostile carriages they are here threatned, yet their inhumane cruelty to Edom's King is only ezprest, the other hostilities to Israel are implyed.

The King of Moab who particularly this was, is not here, nor elsewhere mentioned, though some say 'twas Mesha, and refer this to 2 Kings 3.4. yet 'tis not very likely that this was the King, who acted such cruelty.

It had been barbarous to have burnt the Flesh and Nerves of an enemy, but to make the fire so hot, and continue it so long as to burn bones into ashes, is much more barbarous.

This somewhat aggravates the cruelty, he was no common man, but a King, who was so used, his name, the time when 'twas done, whether 'twere some King alive or dead, and his bones dig'd up, is not mentioned, but every way 'twas barbarous, though 'twere done to bones dig'd out of the Grave, as some conjecture.

Or ashes, calcin'd the bones, reduced them by fire into fine dust, and (as others conjecture) used these ashes instead of lime to plaister the walls and roofs of his Palace, and this was done in hatred and contempt of the King of Edom.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 word]. 15.1. [illegible: 1 word] 48.1. [illegible: 1 word]. 25.8. [illegible: 1 word] 2.8.