Amos 6:2

Warnings to Zion and Samaria

1 Woe ^ato you who are at ^bease in Zion,
And ^ctrust in Mount Samaria,
Notable persons in the ^dchief nation,
To whom the house of Israel comes!

2 ^aGo over to ^bCalneh and see;
And from there go to ^cHamath the great;
Then go down to Gath of the Philistines.
^dAre you better than these kingdoms?
Or is their territory greater than your territory?

3 Woe to you who ^aput far off the day of ^bdoom,
^cWho cause ^dthe seat of violence to come near;

4 Who lie on beds of ivory,
Stretch out on your couches,
Eat lambs from the flock
And calves from the midst of the stall;

5 ^aWho sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments,
And invent for yourselves ^bmusical instruments ^clike David;

6 Who ^adrink wine from bowls,
And anoint yourselves with the best ointments,
^bBut are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

7 Therefore they shall now go ^acaptive as the first of the captives,
And those who recline at banquets shall be removed.

8 ^aThe Lord God has sworn by Himself,
The Lord God of hosts says:
“I abhor ^bthe pride of Jacob,
And hate his palaces;
Therefore I will deliver up the city
And all that is in it.”

Commentaries:

Forerunner Commentary
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What Does Amos 6:2 Mean?

Amos 6:2

Israel's leaders boasted that these nations are no match for the power and wealth of Israel. “They may have had their day,” they said, “but Israel will not be troubled by them anymore!” They felt so secure in themselves!

Twice in verse 13, Amos makes a play on words. Because these cities were recent victories of Jeroboam II, the Israelites were extolling their military might. In Hebrew, however, Lo Debar means “no thing” or “nothing.” They were rejoicing over nothing! Karnaim means “horns,” a symbol of strength. To paraphrase, they say, “Have we not overcome strength with greater strength?” God's view, however, is that their strength, in which they boast, is of little consequence. A nation of even greater strength will completely conquer them.

John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Six): Complacency and Laodiceanism

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