Amos 4:1-6

says the LORD.

Judgment on Israel’s elite

1 Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on Mount Samaria, who cheat the weak, who crush the needy, who say to their husbands, "Bring drinks, so we can get drunk!"

2 The LORD God has solemnly promised by his holiness: The days are surely coming upon you, when they will take you away with hooks, even the last one of you with fishhooks.

3 You will go out through the broken wall, each one after another; and you will be flung out into Harmon,

says the LORD.

A divine taunt

4 Come to Bethel—and commit a crime; multiply crimes at Gilgal. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tenth-part gifts every three days.

5 Offer a thanksgiving sacrifice of leavened bread, and publicize your gifts to the LORD; for so you love to do, people of Israel!

says the LORD God.

Israel’s stubbornness

6 I have sent a famine in all your cities, and not provided enough bread in all your places, yet you didn't return to me,

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Amos 4:1-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO AMOS 4

In this chapter, the great ones, or the people of Israel, are threatened with calamities for their oppression of the poor, Am 4:1-3; and in an ironic manner are reproved for their idolatry, Am 4:4,5; then follows an enumeration of several judgments that had been upon them, yet had had no effect on them, to bring them to repentance, nor even mercies, Am 4:6-11; and notwithstanding all this, in a wonderful gracious manner, they are called upon to prepare to meet their God, who is described by his power, greatness, and goodness, Am 4:12,13.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible