Israel Did Not Accept Correction

Amos 4:1–13
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Israel practiced formal religion. Amos criticizes the people of Israel for believing that their religious practices could compensate for their self-indulgent and sinful lifestyle (vv. 1-5). He begins this section by referring to the wealthy women of Samaria, calling them “cows of Bashan on Mount Samaria” (v. 1). These were insensitive wives of wealthy officials living in luxury to satisfy their self-indulgence at the expense of the poor and needy. When the Assyrian army finally invaded the city defenses would fall and the people would be driven into captivity through the breaches in the wall made by their enemies (vv. 2-3). With a note of sarcasm, it is suggested that the people of Samaria go to Bethel and Gilgal to sin (v. 4). Also with a note of irony the people of Israel are challenged to “Burn leavened bread as a thank offering and brag about your freewill offerings for this is what you love to do” (v. 5).

In this passage the Lord reminds the Israelites of the many methods He has used to prompt them to repent and turn from their sins (vv. 6-11). These include famine (v. 6), drought (vv. 7-8), insects and mildew (v. 9), plagues and war (v. 10), and some divine intervention (v, 11). No matter how God warned the people they still ignored Him. Because the Israelites didn’t get the message they would have to meet God face to face in judgment (v. 12). The most repeated phrase in Amos occurs five times in this chapter: “You have not returned to Me, says the Lord” (vv. 6,8,9,10 & 11). This God of judgment is the Creator, mighty and powerful (v. 13)!

Application

The book of Amos has several memorable phrases, but I should never forget God’s invitation to all who have wandered away from Him: Return to Me. If you haven’t returned, do it now.