Amos 6:1a, 4-7
Chapter 6
1
Third Woe: Luxury and Riches
Woe to those proud people who live overconfidently on the hill of Samaria!Woe to you, men of renown, from the first among the nations, to whom the people of Israel come!4
You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and sprawl on your couches; you eat lamb from the flock and veal from calves fattened in the stall.
5
You strum your harps, and like David, experiment with new musical instruments.
6
You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you do not mourn the ruins of Joseph.
7
Therefore, you will be the first to go into exile, and the feast of sprawlers will come to an end.
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.
Woe: Luxury and Riches.
Riches and power have blinded the leaders of Samaria, making them feel secure and completely unconcerned about their future. Therefore, the prophet encourages them to visit two smaller cities that are more aware of the potential threat from Assyria, which actually occurred in 738 B.C. The use of ivory, cups, and fine perfumes—imported items of great value—serves as evidence of a luxurious and opulent lifestyle (4-6). The recurring theme of justice turned into poison closes the section of the “woes” (12; cf. 5:7). When there is no discernment and sincere pursuit of truth, the entire social structure becomes contaminated and corrupted. Military achievements are not a source of glory for the Lord; on the contrary, such accomplishments are considered “nonsense” by God. ‘Qarnayim’ means “horns,” symbolizing power. Nonsense is the translation of the name of the first city mentioned, “Lo-debar,” which means “No-Thing,” or “Nothing” (13). This occurs when Israel’s leaders manipulate and calculate history without regard for the Lord of history.