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Commentaries
3:1 - 6:14
Title.
This section explains why the northern kingdom will be judged. The first three oracles start with the phrase “Hear this word” (3:1; 4:1; 5:1). These are followed by three “woes” as warnings (5:7; 5:18; 6:1) to those who refuse to listen.
3:1 - 4:5
I Will Hold You Accountable.
The primary reason for divine judgment is that, despite Israel being God’s chosen people, violence, oppression, injustice, and idolatry prevail among them (3:1-15). The history of Israel is preceded by the announcements and revelations of the prophets (3:7-8). As the people of the covenant, to whom God reveals his identity and power (Ex 19:3-6), Israel bears greater responsibility than other peoples, which is why they are called to listen to the voice of the prophets (3:9-10).
Another reason for judgment is represented by the women of Samaria who live in luxury and opulence at the expense of the poor, displaying hypocrisy and stubbornness. The prophet sarcastically calls them “cows of Bashan,” referring to a region with rich pasture where cattle were fattened (4:1-3). Ironically, the prophet urges the Israelites to go up to the shrines of Bethel and Gilgal to sin, because their worship is false and hypocritical: it was corrupted by abuse and oppression of the poor (4:4-5; cf. Col 3:5).
Commentaries
Title.
This section explains why the northern kingdom will be judged. The first three oracles start with the phrase “Hear this word” (3:1; 4:1; 5:1). These are followed by three “woes” as warnings (5:7; 5:18; 6:1) to those who refuse to listen.
I Will Hold You Accountable.
The primary reason for divine judgment is that, despite Israel being God’s chosen people, violence, oppression, injustice, and idolatry prevail among them (3:1-15). The history of Israel is preceded by the announcements and revelations of the prophets (3:7-8). As the people of the covenant, to whom God reveals his identity and power (Ex 19:3-6), Israel bears greater responsibility than other peoples, which is why they are called to listen to the voice of the prophets (3:9-10).
Another reason for judgment is represented by the women of Samaria who live in luxury and opulence at the expense of the poor, displaying hypocrisy and stubbornness. The prophet sarcastically calls them “cows of Bashan,” referring to a region with rich pasture where cattle were fattened (4:1-3). Ironically, the prophet urges the Israelites to go up to the shrines of Bethel and Gilgal to sin, because their worship is false and hypocritical: it was corrupted by abuse and oppression of the poor (4:4-5; cf. Col 3:5).