Amos Chapter 6 — Woe to the Complacent
Amos warns the wealthy leaders of Israel that their luxurious lifestyles and false sense of security will not save them from the coming exile.
1Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
2Go to Calneh, and see.
3Alas for you who put far away the evil day,
4who lie on beds of ivory,
5who strum on the strings of a harp,
6who drink wine in bowls,
7Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go captive.
8“The Lord GOD has sworn by himself,” says the LORD, the God of Armies:
9It will happen that if ten men remain in one house,
10“When a man’s relative carries him, even he who burns him, to bring bodies out of the house, and asks him who is in the innermost parts of the house, ‘Is there yet any with you?’ And he says, ‘No;’ then he will say, ‘Hush! Indeed we must not mention the LORD’s name.’
11“For, behold, the LORD commands, and the great house will be smashed to pieces,
12Do horses run on the rocky crags?
13you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say,
14For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, house of Israel,”
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Amos 6:1
“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria.”
This verse sets the tone for the chapter by identifying the target of the prophecy: those who feel falsely safe.
Amos 6:4
“who lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves on their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the middle of the stall;”
This verse vividly illustrates the extreme luxury and indulgence of the ruling class while the nation faced crisis.
Amos 6:7
“Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go captive, and the feasting of those who stretched themselves will pass away.”
It establishes the direct consequence of their lifestyle, stating that the leaders who enjoyed the most will be the first to face exile.
Chapter Summary
Amos Chapter 6 delivers a stern warning to the leaders of Israel and Judah who live in luxury and indifference. The prophet criticizes those who feel secure in their wealth and status, specifically mentioning Zion and Samaria. He describes their decadent habits: lying on ivory beds, feasting on choice meats, drinking wine from large bowls, and composing music, all while ignoring the impending ruin of the nation. Amos declares that because of this pride and lack of concern for justice, these elites will be the first to go into captivity. The text emphasizes that the Lord loathes the arrogance of Jacob and will hand the city over to its enemies. The chapter concludes by illustrating the absurdity of their pride through rhetorical questions about horses running on crags, finally warning that a nation will be raised up to afflict the entire house of Israel from north to south.
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to the wealthy and influential people in Jerusalem (Zion) who felt a false sense of security. They believed their status and resources would protect them from the coming judgment, leading to moral and spiritual complacency.
Ivory was a symbol of extreme wealth and decadence in the ancient world. By mentioning these beds, Amos highlights how the leaders prioritized personal luxury over the welfare and justice of the nation.
The text states that because they were the leaders in luxury, they would be the 'first who go captive.' Their period of feasting and ease would end abruptly with the arrival of a conquering nation.
Study Note
The reference to drinking wine in 'bowls' rather than cups suggests a level of excessive consumption and ritualistic extravagance beyond normal social bounds.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.