Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.
Read it in contextWoe to Those at Ease in Zion
Start reading at Amos 6:1 (Amos 6:1 to Amos 6:7).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness.
6:1Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!
6:2Pass ye unto Calneh, and see; and from thence go ye to Hamath the great: then go down to Gath of the Philistines: be they better than these kingdoms? or their border greater than your border?
6:3Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;
6:4That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;
6:5That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;
6:6That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
6:7Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretched themselves shall be removed.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Amos, a herdsman from Tekoa, is the named prophet and traditional author. Biblical references: Amos 1:1; Amos 7:14. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Amos 3:1–6:14): Israel, especially its privileged families and leaders in Samaria, is addressed; the warning also challenges those at ease in Zion. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Principally the northern kingdom of Israel, while the opening judgments also concern neighboring nations and Judah. Biblical references: Amos 1:1; Amos 2:4; Amos 3:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Woe to Those at Ease in Zion. Read Amos 6:1 through Amos 6:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Amos dates his words by the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam and by the earthquake. The announced day and later restoration are subjects of prophecy, not simple dates of composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Amos is identified with Tekoa, while the messages focus on Israel and also address Judah and surrounding peoples. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Woe to Those at Ease in Zion (Amos 6:1 to Amos 6:7).
Start reading at Amos 6:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? James cites the promise concerning David's fallen tabernacle in the discussion of Gentiles in Acts 15. This is an explicit apostolic use of Amos, not a warrant to ignore the book's rebukes of injustice. See Amos 9:11, Acts 15:15, Acts 15:16, Acts 15:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Reject worship that coexists with exploitation and complacency. Listen to the accusations as well as the closing promise of restoration. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Amos 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Amos identifies his background and locates his words in the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam. The book addresses Israel's injustice and false religious security while also announcing judgment on neighboring peoples. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Addresses against injustice and complacency reject the notion that religious activity can substitute for righteousness.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Amos
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Amos identifies his background and locates his words in the reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam. The book addresses Israel's injustice and false religious security while also announcing judgment on neighboring peoples.
Connection to the wholeThe visions and confrontation with Amaziah bring the announced judgment into sharp focus while distinguishing the LORD's command from the prophet's own status.