Amos 4:1-6

1 Hear this word, ye cows of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to their masters, "Bring, and let us drink."

2 The Lord GOD hath sworn by His holiness that: "Lo, the days shall come upon you, that He will take you away with hooks and your posterity with fishhooks.

3 And ye shall go out at the breaches, every cow at that which is before her, and ye shall cast them into the palace," saith the LORD.

4 "Come to Bethel and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning and your tithes after three years.

5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven, and proclaim and publish the free offerings; for so ye love, O ye children of Israel," saith the Lord GOD.

6 "And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places; yet have ye not returned unto Me," saith the LORD.

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.