The Haftorah of Parshas Vayeshev the נביא עמוס rebukes Israel for a lengthy list of sins and warns that harsh punishment is on its way. Amos outlines the ways that the wealthy in Israel oppress the poor The Jews had been guilty of the three cardinal sins: idolatry, forbidden relationships and murder. But the primary sin of which they were guilty was that of corruption and injustice: “They have sold for silver those whose cause was just, and the needy for a pair of sandals…you who trample the heads of the poor into the dust of the ground” (2:6-7).
The Radak, explains the three offenses
mentioned here to be the three cardinal sins – idolatry, incest and murder. Hashem explains that the most cardinal sins do not receive an immediate response from Above. For these Hashem is somewhat patient and allows the offender the opportunity to repent and correct his outrageous behavior. But the injustice shown to the poor evokes Hashem’s immediate response. Rabbeinu Bachya explains the basis for this and reminds us that the poor place their total trust in Hashem. Their financial resources do not command any respect or assistance from others which forces them to place their total trust in Hashem. Therefore, Hashem pledges to come immediately to their defense and responds harshly to any injustice done to them.
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