Amos 4:1-13

4:1-5 | The husbands of Samaria met their wives’ demands for luxury by denying the poor justice and taking their land through excessive taxation and usury. These wealthy women (cows of Bashan) were in turn using their wealth to enrich themselves rather than to help the needy, unaware that they were “fattening” themselves for the slaughter of God’s devastating judgment.

4:4-5 | The people of Israel upheld the elements of religion they preferred – the feasting and festivals – while ignoring God’s real priorities such as justice (Hosea 6:6). They had even set up a shrine in Bethel so they would not have to travel to the temple in Jerusalem for worship. So God sarcastically told Israel to continue their hypocritical worship.

4:4 | Gilgal represents Israel’s early faithfulness (Josh. 5:10; 9:6).

4:6-12 | Before confronting sinners in final judgment, God has often used drastic measures – in this case, famine, drought, the devastation of crops, plague, and warfare – in an effort to get people’s attention and bring them to repentance. Still, Israel would not return to Him. Every person must prepare to meet God – either as loving Father or as divine Judge (Heb. 10:31; Rev. 20:15).