Warnings to Zion And Samaria

Amos 6:1–14
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Amos condemned the rich, powerful leaders for living in luxury gained through violence and for ignoring the poor of the land (vv. 1-7). One of the main reasons Israel’s spiritual life had declined was because God’s people had grown complacent (v. 1). They had grown smug and self-confident deriving a sense of false security from the prosperity they had enjoyed over the years. The leaders of Judah and Samaria seemed to have believed that, since they had a special place in God’s plan, they would enjoy prosperity and escape the judgment of their neighbors (v. 2). These self indulgent Israelites wanted only the best for themselves (vv. 3-6). In their eyes they thought they would be “the first of the captives” (v. 7).

The Lord swore by Himself because no higher authority existed (vv. 8-14). The people had built luxurious homes to flaunt their achievements (vv. 8-11). While it is not wrong to live in nice houses, we must not let them become sources of inflated pride and self-glorification. God hates pride (v. 8). He gave our homes to us, and they are to be used for service, not just for show. The people hesitated to speak God’s name even during a time of grief, for fear that they would attract His attention and be judged also (v. 10). The conduct was as absurd as plowing on rocks (v. 12).

Israel’s pride had grown to such a proportion that extreme measures were required. Recent military successes led them to believe they were invincible (v. 13). God’s people would soon learn from bitter experience that their strongest fortresses would not protect them. They had failed to practice righteousness. The Lord Himself would raise an enemy to destroy them (v. 14).

Application

Are we at ease in Zion? I need to be careful. With all the comforts and luxuries of life, I am apt to become thoughtless of the miseries of poverty and misfortune.