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Amos 4:1–13 This second oracle (see note on 2:6–6:14) is composed of three parts. In 4:1–5, Amos expands somewhat on the points made in 3:14–15: the sins of self-indulgence and oppression (4:1–3) and of false religion (vv. 4–5). In vv. 6–11, the Lord describes all the ways in which he has appealed in vain for the Israelites to return to him. As a result, they will come face to face with the infinite Creator in all his power (vv. 12–13).
Amos 4:1 Bashan was rich pastureland northeast of the Sea of Galilee. The cattle there tended to be plump and healthy. Amos compares the women of Samaria to those cattle. Even women oppress the poor and crush the needy.
Amos 4:2–3 These verses describe what will happen to the wealthy and self-indulgent women of Samaria (v. 1) when it falls to the Assyrians. They will be dragged out through the broken-down walls (breaches) with fishhooks, like a fisherman dragging a fish out of water. The reference to hooks may be literal. Some Assyrian illustrations seem to show captives being taken away with ropes attached to rings in their noses.
Amos 4:4–5 With bitter sarcasm, Amos criticizes religious activity at Bethel and Gilgal (see Josh. 4:20; 10:43). Far from securing forgiveness for transgression, this activity was itself sin! The Israelites might love to engage in such worship, but it only disgusted God (Amos 5:14–15, 21–24). The prophets often seem to dismiss sacrificial worship, but the context of such prophecies shows that they are concerned that all worship be the result of true faith.
Amos 4:6 The people had cleanness of teeth because they had no food to cling to their teeth! yet you did not return to me. Even though God had sent various natural and social disasters, the people would not turn back to him.
Amos 4:13 Israel is about to come face to face with the Creator of the universe, the Lord, the God of hosts (see note on 3:13).
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