Amos 4:1-3

Social and Spiritual Corruption

1 Listen to this message, you cows of Bashan who are on the hill of Samaria, women who oppress the poor and crush the needy, who say to their husbands, "Bring us something to drink."

2 The Lord God has sworn by His holiness: Look, the days are coming^[a] when you will be taken away with hooks, every last [one] of you with fishhooks.^[b]

3 You will go through breaches in the wall, each woman straight ahead, and you will be driven along toward Harmon. [This is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration.

Amos 4:1-3 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit coming on you
• [b] 2 Kg 19:28; 2 Ch 33:10-11