Matthew Poole and continuators on Amos 2:11

11 And I raised up of your sons for prophets , and of your young men for Nazarites . Is it not even thus , O! ye children of Israel ? saith the LORD .

Gave prophetick endowments, stirred up their minds, commissioned them to prophesie, and carried them through by an undaunted courage given to them that they should not fear to set upon, or faint in attending to their office.

Did not employ strangers whose Affections you might with some colour of reason suspect, but your own Sons, whose affections to you and to their own Countrey are unquestionable, were sent Prophets to tell you of your sins, to foretel your dangers, and to importune you to repent of your sins, and to prevent your dangers.

Though that Age be generally inclin'd to please their own fancies, to walk after the sight of their Eyes, Eccles. 11.9. yet did God change the mind of some of them in their youth, and inclin'd them to eminency in Religion, to be examples to others;

which were religious persons under vow bound to a very sober, abstemious, and holy life; either for some certain limited time, or for their whole Life; see Numb. 6.1, 2, &c. These were hot to drink any strong or intoxicating Liquors.

God appeals to them in this matter whether he had not done this for them, given Prophets to teach them, and Nazarites to be examples to them, in both which God shewed his love and care of them.

Apostatised Israel, you of the ten Tribes.

This added to excite them to serious pondering what is said to them.